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

yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, an old man, and now also 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.

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.