that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,

I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,

whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.

But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.

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

no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account.

I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).

Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.