A man who ministered to the apostle Paul. Here is an article about him.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Notice that he was worried about the Philippians who might take the news he was sick and be distressed over it. I've got a ways to go in this...when I'm sick, I want everyone to worry about me. Now I don't have an excuse but an example to live up to.
27 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.
God spared Epaphroditus and Paul. We need to notice those in our lives who matter to us and have been placed in our lives to bless us by God...they are gifts.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
People like Epaphroditus are gifts to many and we have to share them with others. My husband is such a man to many...lots of us depend on him and his ministry of serving.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Again, value these ministering saints if you are so blessed.
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Because they serve selflessly, putting others before themselves and to make up for the rest of us who don't necessarily do the same.
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