Epaphroditus Praised

²⁵ Yet I considered it necessary to send to you ^(A)Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and ^(B)fellow soldier, ^(C)but your messenger and ^(D)the one who ministered to my need; ^26 (E)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, ^[a]not regarding his life, ^(F)to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

¹⁸ Indeed I ^[a]have all and abound. I am full, having received from ^(A)Epaphroditus the things sent from you, ^(B)a sweet-smelling aroma, ^(C)an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God ^(D)shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ^20 (E)Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.