²⁵ But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your ^[a]messenger and minister to my need; ²⁶ since he longed ^[b]after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: ²⁷ for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor: ³⁰ because for the work of ^[c]Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.