Colossians 2:1-5

24–2:5. St Paul’s appeal based on (Colossians 1:24-29) his own joy in enduring suffering in order to make known the secret of Christ’s presence in their heart, and (Colossians 2:1-5) his personal interest in them

1–5. I say this because I want you to be cheered, united, and of assured convictions, advancing in the full knowledge of Christ. My interest and joy in you make me write

(Colossians 2:1) I say this because I want you to know the greatness of my contest on behalf of you and all others in your neighbourhood, who have no personal knowledge of me, (Colossians 2:2) that all such may be cheered, by becoming more united (and that in love) and brought together into all possible conviction in their grasp of spiritual truths, with the result that they have full knowledge of God’s secret, i.e. Christ and all that He means; (Colossians 2:3) in whom lie all the many treasures of men’s spiritual reasoning and perception, hid indeed but to be found for the seeking. (Colossians 2:4) I speak of this desire of mine in order that no one may cheat you by false reasoning, however plausible his arguments may be. (Colossians 2:5) For this interest of mine in you is the reason why I write: I am indeed absent in body but ever with you in spirit, as I both see and rejoice in the steadiness of your ranks and the solid front characteristic of your faith in Christ.