Hence, although in Christ I would feel quite free to order you to do your duty,

I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love -- I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus --

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,

So if you consider me a partner, welcome and accept him as you would me.

Yea, brother, I would have profit of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in Christ.

Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do.