that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ.

Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon you that which is becoming,

whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart;

whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;

but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice.

For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever;

I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides.

Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.