But, if the Lord permits it, I hope before long to send Timothy to you, that I, in turn, may be cheered by getting news of you.

So it is he that I hope to send as soon as ever I see how things go with me;

Yet I deem it important to send Epaphroditus to you now--he is my brother and comrade both in labour and in arms, and is your messenger who has ministered to my needs.

I send him because he is longing to see you all and is distressed at your having heard of his illness.

I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.

because even in Thessalonica you sent several times to minister to my needs.

I have enough of everything--and more than enough. My wants are fully satisfied now that I have received from the hands of Epaphroditus the generous gifts which you sent me--they are a fragrant odor, an acceptable sacrifice, truly pleasing to God.

My Christian greetings to every one of God's people. The brethren who are with me send their greetings.