to our sister Apphia, to our fellow-soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets at your house:

and I pray that their sharing of your faith may result in their recognition in us of everything that is right with reference to Christ.

but I would not do a single thing about it without your consent, so that this kindness of yours to me might not seem to come by compulsion but voluntarily.

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

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.

I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I will pay it in full -- not to mention the fact that you owe me your very self besides.

I write you in perfect confidence in your compliance with my wish, because I am sure that you will do even more than I ask.

And have a guest-room ready for me, too, for I hope that through your prayers I shall have the gracious privilege of coming to you.