Daily Bread

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ¹³ I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains^(A) for the gospel. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced^(B) but would be voluntary. ¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— ¹⁶ no longer as a slave,^(C) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.^(D) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

¹⁷ So if you consider me a partner,^(E) welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.^{(F) 19} I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.^(G) I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. ²⁰ I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh^(H) my heart in Christ. ²¹ Confident^(I) of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

²² And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be^(J) restored to you in answer to your prayers.^(K)

²³ Epaphras,^(L) my fellow prisoner^(M) in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. ²⁴ And so do Mark,^(N) Aristarchus,^(O) Demas^(P) and Luke, my fellow workers.^(Q)

²⁵ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^(R)