in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ Jesus.

whom I have sent back to thee: but do thou receive him, that is, my bowels:

whom I was desirous of keeping with myself, that for thee he might minister to me in the bonds of the glad tidings;

but I have wished to do nothing without thy mind, that thy good might not be as of necessity but of willingness:

for perhaps for this reason he has been separated from thee for a time, that thou mightest possess him fully for ever;

I Paul have written it with mine own hand; I will repay it: that I say not to thee that thou owest even thine own self also to me.

Being confident of thine obedience, I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

But withal prepare me also a lodging; for I hope that I shall be granted to you through your prayers.