The Epistle to the Laodiceans 1

A short letter in the name of Paul, written to supply the 'epistle from Laodicea' that Colossians 4:16 mentions; author unknown, probably of the 2nd to 4th century. It survives only in Latin, the oldest copy in the Fulda manuscript written for Victor of Capua in the 6th century; writers mention it from the 4th century on, and it was often copied into medieval Latin Bibles, especially in England, though no church received it as canonical. It is almost entirely a string of phrases from Paul's letters, chiefly Philippians, with nothing of its own in doctrine. This is M. R. James's English (The Apocryphal New Testament, 1924), with his verse numbers 1-20. Not part of any church's canon.
1Paul, an apostle not of men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ, unto the brethren that are at Laodicea.
See also: Galatians 1:1
2Grace be unto you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3I give thanks unto Christ in all my prayers, that ye continue in him and persevere in his works, looking for the promise at the day of judgement.
4Neither do the vain talkings of some overset you, which creep in, that they may turn you away from the truth of the Gospel which is preached by me.
5And now shall God cause that they that are of me shall continue ministering unto the increase of the truth of the Gospel, and accomplishing goodness, and the work of salvation, even eternal life.
6And now are my bonds seen of all men, which I suffer in Christ, wherein I rejoice and am glad.
7And unto me this is for everlasting salvation; which also is brought about by your prayers, and the ministry of the Holy Ghost, whether by life or by death.
8For verily to me life is in Christ, and to die is joy.
9And unto him (or And also) shall he work his mercy in you, that ye may have the same love, and be of one mind.
10Therefore, dearly beloved, as ye have heard in my presence, so hold fast and work in the fear of God, and it shall be unto you for life eternal.
11For it is God that worketh in you.
12And do ye without afterthought whatsoever ye do.
13And for the rest, dearly beloved, rejoice in Christ, and beware of them that are filthy in lucre.
14Let all your petitions be made openly before God, and be ye steadfast in the mind of Christ.
See also: Philippians 4:6
15And what things are sound and true and sober and just and to be loved, do ye.
See also: Philippians 4:8
16And what ye have heard and received, keep fast in your heart.
17And peace shall be unto you.
18The saints salute you.
19The grace of the Lord Jesus be with your spirit.
20And cause this epistle to be read unto them of Colossae, and the epistle of the Colossians to be read unto you.
See also: Colossians 4:16