²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.”^(A) Then he set sail from Ephesus.

¹⁹ But I will come to you very soon,^(A) if the Lord is willing,^(B) and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will,^(A) we will live and do this or that.”

³ And God permitting,^(A) we will do so.

³² so that I may come to you^(A) with joy, by God’s will,^(B) and in your company be refreshed.^(C)

¹⁰ in my prayers at all times;^(A) and I pray that now at last by God’s will^(B) the way may be opened for me to come to you.^(C)

¹⁶ Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus^(A) to avoid spending time in the province of Asia,^(B) for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem,^(C) if possible, by the day of Pentecost.^(D)

¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(A) to suffer for doing good^(B) than for doing evil.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(A) to you soon,^(B) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(C) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(D) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(E) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^{(F) 24} And I am confident^(G) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.