And I pray that your participation may become effectual, as you come to acknowledge every good thing which is in you to Christ.

I am sending him back to you, he himself, that is, my very heart!

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,

And if he has wronged you at all, or is owing you anything, charge that to me.

I Paul am writing this in my own handwriting, "I will repay you." But I will not mention that you owe me, over and over, your very soul.

Because I am thoroughly persuaded of your obedience, I have written you, knowing full well that you will do by me what I am asking.