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25 Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, your messenger[a] and minister to my need,(A) 26 for he has been longing for[b] all of you and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again and that I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him, then, in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people,(B) 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ,[c] risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.

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Footnotes

  1. 2.25 Gk apostle
  2. 2.26 Other ancient authorities read longing to see
  3. 2.30 Other ancient authorities read of the Lord

Paul Commends Epaphroditus

25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love[a] and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.

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Footnotes

  1. 2:29 Greek in the Lord.