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13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve[a] me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,(A) 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.(B) 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from[b] you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

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Footnotes

  1. 13 Serve: the Greek diakoneō could connote a ministry.
  2. 15 Was away from: literally, “was separated from,” but the same verb means simply “left” in Acts 18:1. It is a euphemism for his running away.

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—

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