Paul's Labor for the Church

24 I rejoice now in my sufferings for you, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 25 I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 27 To them God resolved to make known how great among the Gentiles are the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ [fn]Jesus. 29 To this end I labor, striving according to his energy that is powerfully at work within me.

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face. 2 I want their hearts to be comforted and knit together in love, so that they may have all the riches of being fully assured in their understanding, and so that they may know the mystery of [fn]our God and Father and of Christ, 3 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4 I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech. 5 For though I am absent in body, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.