And to Apphia, our sister, and to Archippus, our brother in God's army, and to the church in your house:

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

because I hear of your love and of your faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints (God’s people).

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother.

whom I did wish to retain to myself, that in thy behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the good news,

but I have wished to do nothing without thy mind, that thy good might not be as of necessity but of willingness:

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

So, brother, I would like to have your help in [the fellowship of] the Lord; cheer me up in Christ [i.e., by welcoming Onesimus back on good terms].

Please also get a lodging ready for me, for I hope that I shall be given back to you all in answer to your prayers.

along with [John] Mark [Note: This shows that Mark was now back in the good graces of Paul. See Acts 15:36-40], Aristarchus, Demas [Note: This man later deserted Paul. See II Tim. 4:10] and Luke, who are [also] my fellow-workers. [Note: These men, unlike Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul, were free to minister for Christ there in Rome].