So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,

no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.

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,

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

However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.

Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too.

Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

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 –