because I hear of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.

I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love -- I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus --

I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.