In Colossians 4:16, Paul mentions an epistle that he wrote to the Laodiceans. He exhorts the Colossians to read that letter, and to pass the letter addressed to them on to the Laodiceans.
I can’t recall where I found this, as I first found it almost three years ago, but this is a letter that is claimed to be Paul’s letter to the Laodicean church. It is very short, just 19 verses, and contains nothing profound. I have no idea why it isn’t part of the canon. I want to say that I make no claims to its authenticity, and exhort the reader not to accept this at the same level as scripture.
- Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, to the brethren which are at Laodicea.
- Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
- I thank Christ in every prayer of mine, that you may continue and persevere in good works, looking for that which is promised in the day of judgment.
- Do not be troubled by the vain speeches of anyone who perverts the truth, that they may draw you aside from the truth of the Gospel which I have preached.
- And now may God grant that my converts may attain to a perfect knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, be beneficent, and doing good works which accompany salvation.
- And now my bonds, which I suffer in Christ, are manifest, in which I rejoice and am glad.
- For I know that this shall turn to my salvation forever, which shall be through your prayer and the supply of the Holy Spirit.
- Whether I live or die, to me to live shall be a life to Christ, to die will be joy.
- And our Lord will grant us his mercy, that you may have the same love, and be like-minded.
- Wherefore, my beloved, as you have heard of the coming of the Lord, so think and act reverently, and it shall be to you life eternal;
- For it is God who is working in you;
- And do all things without sin.
- And what is best, my beloved; rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, and avoid all filthy lucre.
- Let all your requests by made known to God, and be steady in the doctrine of Christ.
- And whatever things are sound and true, and of good report, and chaste, and just, and lovely, these things do.
- Those things which you have heard and received, think on these things, and peace shall be with you.
- All the saints salute you.
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
- Cause this Epistle to be read to the Colossians, and the Epistle of the Colossians to be read among you.