* **the whole world** - This is an exaggeration referring to the world they knew, which in their case would mean the Roman Empire. (See: [[:en:ta:vol2:translate:figs_hyperbole]])
* **For God is my witness** - Paul emphasizes that he earnestly prays for them and that God has seen him praying. The word "for" is often left untranslated.
* **in my spirit** - Here this means that a person's spirit is the part of him that can know God and believe in him.
* **always in my prayers requesting that...I may be successful...in coming to you** - AT: "every time I pray, I ask God that...I may succeed...in coming to visit you"
* **by any means** - AT: "in whatever way God allows"
* **at last** - AT: "eventually" or "finally"
* **by the will of God** - AT: "because God desires it"