The Bible and Holy Scriptures conteyned in the Olde and Newe Testament. Translated according to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with the best translations in diuers languges. VVith moste profitable annotations vpon all the hard places, and other things of great importance as may appeare in the epistle to the reader

THE EPISTLE OF Paul to the Collossians.

THE ARGVMENT.

IN this Epistle S. Paul putteth difference betwene the liuelie, effectual & true Christ: and the fained, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ima∣gined Christ, whome the false Apostles taught. And first: he confirmeth the doctrine whiche Epaphras had preached, wishing them increase of faith, to esteme the excellencie of Gods benefite towarde them, teachyng them also that salua∣cion, and whatsoeuer good thing can be desired, standeth onely in Christ, whome onely we embrace by the Gospell. But for asmuche as the false brethren wolde haue mixed the Lawe with the Gospel, he toucheth those flatterers vehemently, and exhorteth the Collossians to staye onely on Christ, without whome all things are but mere vanitie. And as for Cir∣cumcision, abstinence from meates, externall holines, worshiping of Angels as meanes whereby to come to Christ, he vt∣terly condemneth, shewing what was the office and nature of ceremonies, whiche by Christ are abrogate: so that now the exercises of the Christians stande in mortification of the flesh, new 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of life, with other lyke offices apperteyning bothe generally and particularly to all the faithful.

CHAP. I.

3 He giueth thankes vnto God for their faith. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Confir∣meth the doctrine of Epaphras. 9 Prayeth for the increa∣se of their faith. 13 He sheweth vnto them the true Christ, and discouereth the contrefait Christ of the false Apo∣stles 25 He approueth his autoritie and charge. 28 And of his faithful executing of the same.

1 PAVL an Apostle of IESVS Christ, by the wil of God, and Timotheus (our) brother.

2 To thē, which are ata 1.1 Colo∣ce Saintes & faithful bretherē in Christe: Grace (be) with you, and peace from God our Father, and (from) the Lord Iesus Christ.

3 We giue thankes to God euen the Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ, alwayes praying for you:

4 Since we heard of your faithb 1.2 in Christ Ie∣sus, and of (your) loue towarde all Saintes.

5 For the hopes sake, whyche is layd vp for you in heauen, whereof ye haue hearde be∣fore by the worde of trueth, (which is) the Gospel.

6 Which is come vnto you, euen as (it is) vnto all the worlde, and is fruteful, as (it is) also a∣mong you, from the daye that ye heard and truely knewe the grace of God.

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our deare fe∣lowe seruaunt, whiche is for you a faithfull minister of Christ.

8 Who hathe also declared vnto vs your loue, (which ye haue)c 1.3 by the Spirit.

9 For thys cause we also, sinne the daye we heard (of it,) cease not to praye for you, and to desire that ye myght be fulfilled wyth knowledge ofd 1.4 his will, in all wisdome, and spiritual vnderstanding.* 1.5

10 * That ye might walke worthie of the Lord* 1.6 and please (him) in all things, beyng * frute∣full* 1.7 in all good workes, and increasing in the* 1.8 knowledge of God.

11 Strengthned with all might through his glo

rious power; vnto all pacience, and long suffring with ioyfulnes.

12 Gyuing thankes vnto the Father, whiche hathe made vs mete to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saintes in light.

13 Who hathe deliuered vs from the power of darkenes, and hathe translated vs into the kingdome * of his deare Sonne.* 1.9

14 In whom we haue redemption through his* 1.10 bloode, (that is,) the forgiuenes of sinnes.

15 Who is the * e 1.11 image of the inuisible God, the f 1.12 first borne of euerie creature.

16 * For by him were all things created, which are in heauen, and which are in earth, things visible and inuisible: whether (they be) Thro* 1.13 nes, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Pow ers, all thynges were created by hym and for hym.* 1.14

17 And he is before all thynges, and in hym all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the bodie of the Chur che. he is the beginning, * (ād) g 1.15 the first bor∣ne of the dead, that in all things he might ha∣ue the preeminence.

19 * For it pleased (the Father,) that in hym* 1.16 shulde all h 1.17 fulnes dwell.* 1.18

20 And by him to reconcile i 1.19 all thynges vnto* 1.20 hymselfe, and to set at peace through the* 1.21 blood of his crosse both the things in earth, and the things in heauen.

21 And you whiche were in times past stran∣gers and enemyes, because (your) mindes (were set) in euil workes, hathe he now also* 1.22 reconciled.* 1.23

22 In the bodie of his flesh through death, to* 1.24 make you * holie, ād vnblameable and with∣out* 1.25 faute in his sight.* 1.26

23 * If ye continue, grounded and stablished in the fayth, and be not moued awaye from the hope of the Gospell, whereof ye haue heard, and whiche hathe bene preached to euerie creature which is vnder heauē wher∣of I Paul am a minister.

24 Nowe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I in my suffrings for k 1.27 you, and fulfil l 1.28 the rest of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his bodies sake, which is the Church.

25 Whereof I am a minister, accordynge to* 1.29 the dispensation of GOD, whiche is giuen* 1.30 me vnto you warde, to fulfill the m 1.31 worde of* 1.32 God.* 1.33

26 * (Whiche is) the mysterie hyd since the* 1.34 worlde began, and from (all) ages, but now is made manifest to his n 1.35 Saintes.

27 To whome GOD wolde make knowen* 1.36 what is the riches of this glorious mysterie among the Gentiles, which (riches) is Christ in you, * the hope of glorie.

28 Whome we preache, admonishyng euerie man, and teaching euerie man in al wisdome, that we may present euerie man perfecte in Christ Iesus.

29 Whereunto I also labour and striue, accor∣dyng to his working which worketh in me myghtly.

CHAP. II.

1 Hauing protected his good wil towarde them. 4 He ad∣monisheth them not to turne backe from Christ. 8 To the seruice of Angels or anie other inuention, or els cere∣monies of the Law. 17 which haue finished their office, and are ended in Christ.

1 FOr I wolde ye knowe what greate “ 1.37 figh∣ting I haue for your sakes, and for them of Lao dicea, and for as manie as haue not sene my a 1.38 persone in the flesh.

2 That their hearts myght be comforted and they knit together in loue, and in all ryches of the full assurance of vnderstandynge, to knowe the mysterie of God euen the Father, and of christ:

3 In whom are hid al the treasures of wisdome and knowledge.

4 And this I saye, lest anie man shulde beguile you with entising workes.* 1.39

5 * For thogh I be absent in the b 1.40 flesh, yet am I with you in the c 1.41 spirite reioycing, and be∣holding your ordre, and your stedfast fayth in Christ.

6 As ye haue therefore receiued Christ Iesus the Lord, (so) walke in him,

7 Roted and buylt in him, and stablished in the* 1.42 fayth, as ye haue * bene taught, abundynge therein with thankes giuing.

8 Beware lest there be anye man that spoile you through d 1.43 philosophie, and vayne de∣ceit, through the traditions of men, accor∣dyng to the rudiments of the worlde, and not after Christ.

9 * For in hym dwelleth all the fulnes of the e 1.44 * 1.45 Godhead “ 1.46 bodely.* 1.47

10 And ye are compleate in him, whiche is the* 1.48 head of all Principalitie and Power:

11 In whome also ye are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with * cir cumcision made without hands, by puttyng of the sinful bodie of the fleshe, through the circumcision f 1.49 of Christ.

12 In that ye are * buryed wyth hym through Baptisme, in whome ye are also raysed vp together through * the fayth g 1.50 of the ope∣ration of God whiche raised hym from the dead.* 1.51

13 * And ye whiche were dead in sinnes, and* 1.52 in the vncircumcision of your flesh, hathe he* 1.53 quickened together with hym, forgiuing “ 1.54 * 1.55 you all (your) trespaces.* 1.56

14 And putting out the * h 1.57 hande writing of ordinances that was againste vs, whiche was cōtrarie to vs, he euē toke it out of the way, and fastened it vpon the crosse.

15 And hathei 1.58 spoiled the Principalities, and Powers, and hathe made a shewe of them o∣penly, and hathe triumphed ouer them in the same (crosse.)

16 Let no man therefore condemne you in meat and drynke, or in respect of ank 1.59 holye daye, or of the newe moone, or of the Sab∣bath (dayes.)

17 Whiche are (but) a shaddowe of thyngs to come: but the bodie is in Christ,

18 * Let no manl 1.60 at his pleasure beare rule o∣uer you by humblenes of minde, and wor∣shiping of Angels, aduancing him self those things whiche he neuer sawe, rashly put vp with his fleshlie minde.

19 And holdeth not the head, whereof all the bodie furnished ād knit together by iointes, and bandes, encreaseth with the increasing of God.

20 Wherfore if ye (be) dead with Christ from the ordinances of the worlde, why, as thogh ye liued in the worlde, are ye burdened with* 1.61 traditions?

21 (As,) Touche not, Taste not, Handel not.

22 Which al m 1.62 perish with the vsing, (and are) after the commandements and doctrines of men.

23 Which things haue in deed a shewe of wis∣dome,* 1.63 in ⁿ voluntarie religion ād humblenes of minde, and in not sparyng the bodie: “ 1.64 nether haue they it anie estimation to satis∣fie the flesh.* 1.65

CHAP. III.

1 He sheweth where we shulde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ. 5 He exhor∣teth to mortification. 10 To put of the old man and to put on Christ. 12 To the which he addeth exhortation, bothe general and particular to charitie and humilitie.

1 IFye then bea 1.66 risen with Christ, seke those things which are aboue, where Christ sit∣teth at the right hand of God.

2 Set your affections on thinges whiche are aboue, (and) not on thinges, whicheb 1.67 are on the earth.

3 For ye arec 1.68 dead, and your lyfe is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ which is our lif, shal appeare, then shall ye also appeare wyth hym in glo∣rie.

5 * Mortifie therefore your members which* 1.69 are on the earth, fornication, vnclennes, the* 1.70 in ordinate affection, euill concupiscence, & couetousnes which is idolatrie.

6 For the whiche thinges sakes the wrath of God cometh on the childrē of disobediēce.

7 Wherein ye also walked once, whē ye liued in them.

8 *But now put ye away euen all these things,* 1.71 wrath, angre, maliciousnes, cursed speaking,* 1.72 filthie speaking, out of your mouth.* 1.73

9 Lie not one to another, seynge that ye haue* 1.74 put of the olde man with his workes.

10 And haue put on the newe, whiche is re∣newed in knowledge * after the image of* 1.75 him that created him.

11 Where is nether Grecian nor Iewe, circum∣cision nor vncircumcision, Barbarian, Scy∣thian, bonde, fre: but Christ is all and in all things.

12 * Now therefore as the elect of God e 1.76 holye* 1.77 & beloued, put on“ 1.78 tender mercie, kindnes, humblenes of mind, mekenes, long suffring:

13 For bearing one another, and forgiuing one another, if anie mā haue a quarel to another: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as Christ forgaue you, euen so do ye.

14 And aboue all these thinges (put on) loue, which is the bonde of perfectnes.

15 And let the peace of GODf 1.79 rule in your heartes, to the whiche ye are called in one bodie, and be ye“ 1.80 amiable.

16 Let the g 1.81 worde of Christ dwell in you plen∣teously in all wisdome, teaching and admo∣nishing your owne selues, in h 1.82 psalmes, and hymnes, and spirituall songs, singing with a * “ 1.83 grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 * And whatsoeuer ye shall do, in worde or dede, (do) all in the Name of the Lord Iesus, giuing thankes to God euen the Father by him.

18 ¶ * Wiues, submite your selues vnto your housbands, as it is comelie in the Lord.* 1.84

19 *Housbands, loue your wiues, and be not bitter vnto them.

20 ¶ * Childrē, obey your parēts in i 1.85 all things:* 1.86 for that is well pleasing vnto the Lord.* 1.87

21 Fathers, k 1.88 prouoke not your childrē to an∣ger,* 1.89 lest they be discouraged.* 1.90

22 ¶ * Seruants, be obedient vnto them that are (your) masters accordyng to the fleshe in all* 1.91 things, not with eye seruice as men pleasers,* 1.92 but in singlenes of heart, fearing God.* 1.93

23 And whatsoeuer ye do, do it heartely, as to the Lord, and not vnto men.

24 Knowing that of the Lorde ye shall receyue the rewarde of the inheritance: for ye serue the Lord Christ.

25 But hel 1.94 that doeth wrong, shall receiue for* 1.95 the wrong that he hathe done, and there is* 1.96 no * m 1.97 respect of persones.* 1.98

CHAP. IIII. * 1.99

2 He exhorteth them to be feruent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prayer. 5 To walke* 1.100 wiselye towarde them that are not yet come to the true* 1.101 knowledge of Christ He saluteth them, and wisheth thē all prosperitie.

1 YEmasters, do vnto your seruauntes, that which is iuste, and equal, knowing that ye also haue a master in heauen.* 1.102

2 *Continue in prayer, and watch in the same* 1.103 with thankes giuing.* 1.104

3 *Praying also for vs, that God maye open* 1.105 vnto vs thea 1.106 dore of vtterance, to speake the mysterie of Christ: wherefore I am also in bondes.* 1.107

4 That I maye vtter it, as it becometh me to speake.

5 ¶* Walkeb 1.108 wiselye towarde them that are without, and c 1.109 redeme the time.

6 (Let) your speache (be) gracious alwais, and powdred with d 1.110 salt, that ye may know how to answer euerie man.

7 ¶ Tychicus (our) beloued brother, & faith∣ful minister, and felowe seruant in the Lord, shal declare vnto you my whole state.

8 Whome I haue sent vnto you for the same purpose that he might know your state, and might comforte your hearts.

9 *With Onesimus a faithfull and a beloued* 1.111

brother, who is one of you. They shal shewe you of all things here.

10 Aristarch us my prison fello we saluteth you and Marcus, and Barnabas sisters sonne [tou ching whome ye receiue hym]

11 And Iesus whiche is called Iustus, whiche are of the circumcision. Thesee 1.112 onely are myf 1.113 worke fellowes vnto the kingdome of God, which haue bene vnto my consolatiō.

12 Epaphras the seruant of Christe, whiche is one of you, saluteth you, and alwais striueth for you in prayers, that ye may stande per∣fite, and ful in al the wil of God.

13 For I beare him recorde, that he hath a great zeale for you, and for thē of Laodicea, and them of Hicrapolis.

14 * Luke the beloued physition greteth you,* 1.114 and Demas.

15 Salute the brethren which are of Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the Church whiche is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is red of you, cause that it be red in the Churche of the Laodi∣ceans also, and that ye likewise read the epistlesg 1.115 (written) from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take hede to the ministerie, that thou hast receiued in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Re∣mēber my bādes Grace (be) with you.

Amē.

Written from Rome to the Colossians (and sent) by Tychicus, and One simus.

Notes

• a 1.1

  VVhiche was a citie of Phry∣gia.
• b 1.2

  For without Christ there is no faith to be saued by, but onely a vaine opinion.
• c 1.3

  VVhich cometh of the holy Gost.
• d 1.4

  That is, Gods
• * 1.5

  Eplies. 4. 1.
• * 1.6

  Philip. 1. 27.
• * 1.7

  1. Thes. 2. 12.
• * 1.8

  1. Cor. 1. 5.
• * 1.9

  Mat. 3. 17. and 17. 5.
• * 1.10

  2. Peter. 1. 17.
• e 1.11

  For God is is made visible in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he of Christ, and the diuinitie dwel∣leth in him cor∣porally.
• f 1.12

  Borne before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thinge was created.
• * 1.13

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 3.
• * 1.14

  Iohn. 1. 3.
• g 1.15

  He that rose first againe from the dead to take possession of life euer lasting: whi che rising maye be called a newe birth.
• * 1.16

  1. Cor. 15. 20.
• h 1.17

  That the Chur∣che, which is his bodie, might re∣ceiue of his abū∣dance.
• * 1.18

  Reuel. 1, 5.
• i 1.19

  That is, the whole Churche.
• * 1.20

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 14.
• * 1.21

  Chap. 2 9.
• * 1.22

  Luk. 1. 75.
• * 1.23

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.24

  Ephe. 1. 4.
• * 1.25

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. 11.
• * 1.26

  Iohn. 15. 6.
• k 1.27

  Or your com∣moditie.
• l 1.28

  As Christ hathe once suffered in him self to rede∣me his Churche, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it: so doeth he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suffer in his members, as partake: of their infirmities, and therfore a reuen∣ger of their in∣iuries.
• * 1.29

  Roma. 16. 25.
• * 1.30

  Ephes. 3. 9.
• m 1.31

  VVhiche is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ, ād of the calling of the Gentiles.
• * 1.32

  2. Tim. 1. 10.
• * 1.33

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 2.
• * 1.34

  1. Peter. 1. 20,
• n 1.35

  Whom he hath elected and con∣secrated to hym by Christ.
• * 1.36

  1. Timo, 1. 1.
• “ 1.37

  Or, peine and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• a 1.38

  Me present 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodie.
• * 1.39

  1. Cor. 5. 3.
• b 1.40

  In bodie.
• c 1.41

  In minde.
• * 1.42

  1. Cor. 1. 5.
• d 1.43

  Teaching you vaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as worshi∣ping of Angels, of blinde ceremo nies and begger∣lie 〈◊〉〈◊〉: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no we they haue none vse seynge Christ is come.
• e 1.44

  In sayng that the (Godhead) is really in Christ, he sheweth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he is verie God: also saying, (in him,) he decla∣reth two distin∣cte natures, and by thys worde (dwelleth) he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that it is there for euer.
• * 1.45

  Chap, 1. 19.
• “ 1.46

  Or, essentially.
• * 1.47

  Iohn. 1. 14.
• * 1.48

  Rom. 2. 19.
• f 1.49

  Made by the Spirit of Christ.
• g 1.50

  In beleuynge that God by his power raised vp Christ, whereof we haue a sure to ken in our Bap∣tisme.
• * 1.51

  "Or, vs all our.
• * 1.52

  Rom 6. 4.
• * 1.53

  Ephe. 1. 19.
• “ 1.54

  Or, obligation.
• * 1.55

  Ephe. 2. 1.
• * 1.56

  Ephe. 2. 13.
• h 1.57

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were as it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 publyke pro∣fession, ād hand wryttynge of the miserable state of mā kinde for circumcision did declare our natural 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and washings si∣gnified the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of sinne: the sa∣crifices testified that we were giltie of deathe, whiche were al taken away by Christs death.
• i 1.58

  As Satan and his Angels from whome he hath taken al power.
• k 1.59

  Or, distinction as to make diffe∣rence betwixt dayes.
• l 1.60

  Meaning that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thē at their plea∣sure into all su∣perstition & error.
• * 1.61

  Mat. 24. 4.
• m 1.62

  And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nothing to the kingdome of God
• * 1.63

  "Or, defraude 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of your prise
• “ 1.64

  Or, but they are of no value saue for the filling of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, on Suche as men haue chosen accor∣ding to their owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.65

  o They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and defraude theyr bodie to shewe thē selues greater hypocrites.
• a 1.66

  After that ye haue bene dead to beggerlie ce∣remonies.
• b 1.67

  VVhich ether serue but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a time, or els are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by men.
• c 1.68

  With Christ.
• * 1.69

  Ephe 5. 3.
• * 1.70

  d Extinguish all the strength of the corrupt na∣ture which resi∣steth against the Spirit, that ye may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and not in the flesh.
• * 1.71

  Rom. 6. 4.
• * 1.72

  Ephe. 4 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.73

  Ebr. 12 2.
• * 1.74

  1. Pet. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. & 4. 1.
• * 1.75

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 26. & 5. 1. & 9. 6.
• e 1.76

  He sheweth what frutes are in them that are dead to the worlde and are risen again with Christ.
• * 1.77

  Ephe. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• “ 1.78

  Or, the bowels of mercies.
• f 1.79

  Let it guide all your doings.
• “ 1.80

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, gracious, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thankefull.
• g 1.81

  The doctrine of the Gospel.
• h 1.82

  Psalmes pro∣perly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 complainings to God, narrations, and expostula∣tions: hymnes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thankes giuing: songs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 praises, and thankes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but not so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and amply, as hymnes do.
• “ 1.83

  Or, thankes giuing.
• * 1.84

  Ephe. 4 29.
• i 1.85

  VVhich are in the Lord.
• * 1.86

  1. Cor. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.87

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 5. 22.
• k 1.88

  By to muche rigour.
• * 1.89

  1. Pet. 3. 1.
• * 1.90

  Ephe. 6. 1.
• * 1.91

  Ephe. 6. 5.
• * 1.92

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 2 9.
• * 1.93

  1. Pet. 2. 18.
• l 1.94

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 master.
• * 1.95

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10. 27.
• * 1.96

  Wisd. 6 8.
• m 1.97

  VVhether 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be master 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seruant.
• * 1.98

  Eccle. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 26.
• * 1.99

  Rom 2. 11.
• * 1.100

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. 6.
• * 1.101

  Ephe. 6. 9.
• * 1.102

  Luk. 18. 1.
• * 1.103

  1. Thes. 5. 17.
• * 1.104

  Ephe. 6 18.
• * 1.105

  2. Thes, 3. 1.
• a 1.106

  That I maye frely preache the Gospel.
• * 1.107

  Ephe. 5. 15.
• b 1.108

  To the com∣moditie of your neighbours.
• c 1.109

  Bestowe the time well, with the malice of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 euerie where plucked frome you and causeth you to abuse it.
• d 1.110

  Perteining to edification, and mixt with do vanitie.
• * 1.111

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• e 1.112

  If they onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 helpe him to preache the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Rome, where was 〈◊〉〈◊〉? or those fiue and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeres that thei faine he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Rome?
• f 1.113

  In preaching the Gospel.
• * 1.114

  2. Tim. 4. 11.
• g 1.115

  Ether to Paul, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whiche thei wolde writt as an answere to this Epistle sent to the Colossians