and to [your wife] Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier [in ministry], and to the church that meets in your house:

so that the christian faith, which you have in common with us, displays itself to the observation of all good men about you.

For I have had great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints (God’s people) have been refreshed through you, my brother.

So although as a Christian I feel quite free to order you to do what ought to be done,

not as a slave any longer but more than a slave, a dearly loved brother, especially to me and much more to you, both as a servant and as a Christian.

Come, brother, let me make something out of you, in a Christian sense! Cheer my heart as a Christian.