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Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

New Defender's Study Bible Notes

Philippians 2:25

2:25 messenger. “Messenger” here is apostolos, usually translated “apostle” (but see II Corinthians 8:23, where the same word is also translated “messengers”). Thus, Epaphroditus had been an “apostle,” or “messenger,” of the church at Philippi to Paul. Churches could send out their own “apostles” for various ministries, but to be an “apostle of Jesus Christ,” one must be specifically chosen and sent directly and in person by Christ Himself, after His resurrection. See note on I Corinthians 9:1.

Philippians 2:26

2:26 heaviness. That is, “intense concern.”

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