that the communication of thy faith may become effectual in the acknowledgement of all the good that is in you towards Christ Jesus:

Whom I would gladly have kept with me, that he might have ministered unto me as thou wouldst have done, in the bonds of the gospel.

But I would do nothing without thy knowledge, that thy kindness might not be as it were forced, but voluntary.

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever:

I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will pay it: not to say that thou indeed owest even thy own self to me.

Being fully persuaded of thy compliance, I have written to thee; knowing that thou wilt indeed do more than I ask.

But I must add, prepare me also a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.