I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.

But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me.

Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do