The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the zimage of the ainvisible God, bthe firstborn of all creation. 16 For cby1 him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether dthrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is ebefore all things, and in him all things fhold together. 18 And he is the ghead of the body, the church. He is hthe beginning, ithe firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be jpreeminent. 19 For in him all the kfullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him lto reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, mmaking peace by the blood of his cross.
2 that their hearts may be lencouraged, being mknit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s nmystery, which is Christ, 3 oin whom are hidden pall the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am qabsent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good rorder and the sfirmness of your faith in Christ.
Alive in Christ
6 Therefore, tas you ureceived Christ Jesus the Lord, so vwalk in him, 7 wrooted and xbuilt up in him and established in the faith, just as you were ytaught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one ztakes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human atradition, according to the belemental spirits1 of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole cfullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and dyou have been filled in him, who is the ehead of all rule and authority.
