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

I pray that by their participation in your loyal faith they may have a vivid sense of how much good we Christians can attain.

I would have liked to keep him beside me, that as your deputy he might serve me during my imprisonment for the gospel;

but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness to me might come of your own free will, without any appearance of constraint.

Perhaps this was why you and he were parted for a while, that you might get him back for good,

and if he has cheated you of any money or owes you any sum, put that down to my account.

This is in my own handwriting: 'I Paul promise to refund it' ??not to mention that you owe me, over and above, your very soul.

And get quarters ready for me, for I am hoping that by your prayers I shall be restored to you.