Philippians 2:30

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

It may be that Timothy made the journey to Philippi with Epaphroditus; but, however that may be, the latter left immediately after the writing of this letter and acted as its bearer. So Paul includes a recommendation and admonition with regard to this messenger of the Philippian congregation: But I believed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and coworker and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and the minister of my want. He is Paul's brother in Christ, a son of the same Father in heaven through the redemption gained by Christ; he is his coworker, he had labored by the side of the apostle, he had continued the work of the apostle in Philippi; he is his fellow-soldier, he fought as a soldier of Christ in the same ranks. And the Philippians should regard Epaphras (abbreviated form of Epaphroditus) as their apostle, who not only had taught them in the past, but was now again returning to their midst as Paul's representative. Thus Paul repaid some of the kindness which they had shown him when they sent Epaphras as the minister of Paul's wants, with substantial aid for the apostle's needs.

To send this man at this time had seemed especially necessary to Paul, because he was yearning, he was in a state of longing, of homesickness for the brethren at Philippi; his love desired to see them and to be with them. This longing of Epaphroditus was increased by the fact that he was also troubled, being in sore anguish of mind because the report had been brought to Philippi that he had been sick. Either on the way to Rome or in Rome the messenger of the Philippian congregation had been taken ill, and, as Paul writes, indeed he had been badly ill, so severely sick that he had been in danger of death, his life had been almost despaired of. But God had had mercy on him, He had changed the course of his sickness and had brought him back to life and health. In doing so, however, God had had mercy also on the apostle, who would have been deeply grieved, thrown into mourning, bereaved of a faithful coworker: it would have resulted in bringing one sorrow after another upon him. God had spared him at least this sorrowful experience. All the more quickly Paul was now sending him to Philippi, partly because there was danger of a relapse (the sickness may have been malaria), partly in order that the solicitous anxiety of the Philippians might be alleviated.

In order to show his high regard for Epaphroditus, and in order to impress upon the Philippians the proper regard which they should have toward their ministers in the Lord, Paul here gives Epaphroditus a very cordial recommendation. They should receive him in the Lord with all joy. It was to be not only the rejoicing of a friend on account of a dear friend, but also the cordial reception of a servant of Christ. For the sake of the Lord in whose service he is working, for the sake of the Gospel which he is preaching, they should give him a hearty welcome. This includes, incidentally, the full and unequivocal acceptance of the Word which is proclaimed by the servant of Christ. And the same applies in the case of all such as preach the Gospel, as are true servants of Christ. Those elders should be counted worthy of double honor that labor in the Word and doctrine. As for Epaphroditus, Paul says that he risked his very life, he drew near, up to death, hazarding his life, for the Gospel. The fevers that were prevalent in Rome, due to malaria borne by mosquitoes from the near-by swamps, ravaged the populace, but were still more dangerous for visitors that had had no opportunity to become at least partially immune. The service of Epaphroditus had been very valuable to Paul. And this fact should find due acknowledgment also from the Philippian Christians. While in their service, while engaged in bringing gifts to Paul, he was, in their absence, fulfilling the service which they owed to the apostle. Since the entire congregation could not come, he, as their representative, took the place of them all and ministered to the wants of the great teacher in his imprisonment. The gifts and good wishes of the Philippians were supplemented by the personal comfort and service of Epaphroditus in Rome. This they should always remember, and receive him accordingly. Note: Throughout this passage the intimate and cordial relationship among the early Christians is brought out most beautifully; a fine example in view of the callousness and indifference prevalent at the present time.

Summary

The apostle urges the need of loving humility from the example of Christ's voluntary humiliation; he exhorts to true works of sanctification; he includes a very cordial recommendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus.