To the end that, the fellowship of thy faith, may become, energetic, by a personal knowledge of every good thing that is in us towards Christ;

For, much joy, have I had, and encouragement, by occasion of thy love, in that, the tender affections of the saints, have had rest given them by thee, brother.

Wherefore, though I have, much, freedom of speech, in Christ, to be enjoining upon thee that which is befitting,

Whom I have sent back unto thee - him, that is, my own, tender affections! -

Whom, I, was minded, with myself, to detain, that, in thy behalf, unto me, he might be ministering in the bonds of the joyful message;

But, apart from thy mind, I wished to do, nothing, that, not as by necessity, thy goodness should be, but, by choice.

For, peradventure, for this cause, was he separated for an hour, that, as an age-abiding possession, thou mightest have him back, -

I, Paul, have written it with, my own, hand, - I, will repay it ; that I may not tell thee - that, thyself, unto me, thou still owest.

Confident of thine obedience, I have written unto thee, knowing that, even beyond what I say, thou wilt do: -

At the same time, moreover, be also getting ready for me, a lodging; for I am hoping that, through your prayers, I shall be granted as a favour unto you.