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 how much more to you, both in the flesh^(A) and in the Lord.^(B)

¹⁷ So if you consider me a partner, welcome^(C) him as you would me.