It made my heart glad when Headdress of Many Feathers (Stephanas) and Lucky Man (Fortunatus) and Man of Sorrows (Achaicus) came to me. They have been walking in your footsteps by helping me while you have been away.
My heart is dancing for joy before our Honored Chief! For even though in the past you did not have the chance to show how deeply you care for me, you have shown once again how much you truly care.
But my life means nothing to me. I only want to finish walking the road the Maker of Life has set before me, telling the good story of the gift of his great kindness as I follow Creator Sets Free (Jesus), my Honored Chief.
But now I have received more than I need. My blanket has been filled with good things. The gifts that Walks with Beauty (Epaphroditus) brought from you are like a sweet-smelling smoke offering —a sacrificial gift, pleasing to the Great Spirit.
Creator’s holy ones won the victory over him by the lifeblood shed by the Lamb and by boldly telling his story, and, when faced with death, they loved him more than they loved their own lives.
It is true that he was so sick he nearly died. But Creator had pity on him, and on myself as well, to keep my heart from falling to the ground, heavy with sorrow.
Even if my lifeblood is to be poured out like a ceremonial drink offering in loving service to your faith, my heart is glad and I share my joy with you.
They have risked their own lives for my sake, for which they have not only my thanks, but also the thanks of the sacred family members of the Outside Nations.