Chap. ii.—I rejoice in your messengers

Chap. ii.—I rejoice in your messengers.

Shorter.

Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy bishop, and through your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship may I ever enjoy, inasmuch as he is subject to the bishop as to the grace of God, and to the presbytery as to the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write[896] to you].

Longer.

Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy[897] bishop, and through your worthy[898] presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship may I ever enjoy,[899] inasmuch as he, by the grace of God, is subject to the bishop and presbytery, in the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write[900] to you].