12. I am sending him back to you as a part of myself.
13. I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.
14. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.
15. For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,
16. no longer as a slave, but more than a slave — as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17. So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me.
18. And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
19. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it — not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self.
20. Yes, brother, may I have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
21. Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22. But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
23. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do