15. Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated [from you] for a while, that you might have him back as yours forever,
16. Not as a slave any longer but as [something] more than a slave, as a brother [Christian], especially dear to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh [as a servant] and in the Lord [as a fellow believer].
17. If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome and receive] me.
18. And if he has done you any wrong in any way or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account.
19. I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]–and that is to say nothing [of the fact] that you owe me your very self!
20. Yes, brother, let me have some profit from you in the Lord. Cheer and refresh my heart in Christ.
21. I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22. At the same time prepare a guest room [in expectation of extending your hospitality] to me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be granted [the gracious privilege of coming] to you.
23. Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner here in [the cause of] Christ Jesus (the Messiah),
24. And [from] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25. The grace (blessing and favor) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with your spirit. Amen (so be it).