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I. ITS DEPENDENCE (ver. 22).

1. On God. His restoration would be an act of Divine grace.

2. On each other. Mutual dependence a privilege as well as necessity. Includes —

(1)  Intercession.

(2)  Hospitality.

II. ITS RECIPROCATION (vers. 23, 24).

1. Of faith and feeling. As a thousand particles of iron are held together by invisible magnetic current, so the hearts of men by unseen force of faith in Jesus and love for Him.

2. Of labour and endurance. The first named in the salutation is more than a fellow worker. He had joined the apostle in combat with the powers of darkness, and now shared his captivity.

III. ITS BENEDICTION. (ver. 25).

1. Testimony concerning Christ. Main teachings of the gospel concerning Him concentrated here.

(1) That He is alive and a Divine Benefactor.

(2) Anointed "Lord." Appellative of Jehovah in Old Testament. So in Colossians 1:16; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:2. Equal with God, whose grace alone can sustain the spirit of men.

(3) Faith in Him the origin and power of all worthy life (ver. 5, 6). No good done without His grace. All and in all.

2. Teaching for followers of Christ. Grace of Christ the supreme fount of goodness and blessing. The Alpha and Omega of joyfulness and power. Thence comes —

(1)  Forgiveness (Matthew 1:21; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7, 9).

(2)  Renovation. Onesimus a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

(3)  Sanctification (2 Corinthians 5:21).

(4)  Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Colossians 2:3; Ephesians 1:8).

(5)  Hope (Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 1:3-8).

(6)  Consolation (2 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:15). All we need and can wish.

(A. W. Johnson.)

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KJV: But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

WEB: Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.