13. I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,
14. but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.
15. Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,
16. no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord.
17. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.
18. And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19. I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self.
20. Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
21. With trust in your compliance I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22. At the same time prepare a guest room for me, for I hope to be granted to you through your prayers.
23. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24. as well as Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.