So I’m especially eager to send him to you. In this way you will have the joy of seeing him again and I will feel relieved.
Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your sons.”
“Now you’re in a painful situation. But I will see you again. Then you will be happy, and no one will take that happiness away from you.
The thought of not seeing Paul again hurt them most of all. Then they took Paul to the ship.
This is the very reason I wrote to you. I didn’t want to visit you and be distressed by those who should make me happy. I’m confident about all of you that whatever makes me happy also makes you happy.
Give him a joyful Christian welcome. Make sure you honor people like Epaphroditus highly.
I remember your tears and want to see you so that I can be filled with happiness.