Epaphroditus’ Mission

²⁵ But I considered it^[a] necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger and servant of my need, ²⁶ because he was longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick, coming near to death, but God had mercy on him and not on him only, but also on me, so that I would not have grief upon grief. ²⁸ Therefore I am sending him with special urgency, in order that when^[b] you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. ²⁹ Therefore welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and consider such people highly honored, ³⁰ because on account of the work of Christ he came near to the point of death, risking his life in order that he might make up for your inability to serve me^[c].