Colossians 2:1-5

Paul's Ministry to the Church

¹ For I want you to know what a great _a conflict ₁ I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, ₂ both of the Father and of Christ, ³ _b in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ Now this I say _c lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. ⁵ For _d though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing ₃ to see _e your good order and the _f steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

1. Cross References
   Philippians 1:30
   Having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
   Colossians 1:29
   To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
   Colossians 4:12
   Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
   1 Thessalonians 2:2
   But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
   
2. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 1:24
   But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
   1 Corinthians 1:30
   But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -
   
3. Cross References
   Romans 16:18
   For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
   2 Corinthians 11:13
   For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
   Ephesians 4:14
   That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.
   Ephesians 5:6
   Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Thessalonians 2:17
   But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
   
5. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 14:40
   Let all things be done decently and in order.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Peter 5:9
   Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.