And so, although I might be bold in Christ to dictate to you what is fitting,

I could wish to retain him at my side, so that he might minister to me in your stead, in my bonds for the gospel.

But without your consent I was unwilling to do anything, so that your kindness to me might be of your own free will, and not of compulsion.

Perhaps for this reason you were separated from him for an hour, in order that you might have him back forever,