Philippians 2:25-30
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Not only did Paul plan to send like-minded Timothy to the church at Philippi, he also sent Epaphroditus who was another co-laborer, brother, and soldier in this fight for men’s souls. This messenger was sent by those he wrote to see after Paul’s needs, and now he was being sent back for theirs. This coworker was ill and worried because the senders worried about him. There was a mutual and reciprocal care for each other, the sender and the sent, the servant and the served. Due to God’s mercy, Epaphroditus got well and the senders were going to have him back; this was surely cause for rejoicing. Paul reminded the Philippians to honor this servant who nearly gave his life for God’s messenger to make sure all Paul’s needs were met so that he could effectively bring the gospel. We also should help, pray for, and honor those who serve others and meet their needs, no matter the cost to themselves. And we should give of ourselves in such a way to further the gospel as well.
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