11. In times past, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to me and to you.
12. So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart.
13. I myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel.
14. But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly.
15. So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity,
16. no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much so more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!
17. Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me.
18. But if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to me.
19. I, Paul, have written this with my own hand: I will repay. And I need not tell you, that you are also in debt yourself, to me.
20. So it is, brother. May I delight with you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.
21. I have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I say.
22. But also, at once, prepare a lodging for me. For I am hoping, through your prayers, to present myself to you.
23. Greet Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus,
24. and Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my helpers.