25 | I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphrodi'tus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, |
26 | for he has been longing for you all, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. |
27 | Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. |
28 | I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. |
29 | So receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men, |
30 | for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your service to me. |