15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in
him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created
through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn
from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God
was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to
himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace
through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of
your evil behaviour. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through
death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation –
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held
out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to
every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking
in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have
become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God
in its fullness –

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but
is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known
among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope
of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all
wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

New International Version (NIV) - for other versions see BibleGateway.com