Philippians 2:28

σπουδ. The more regular form is the inferior reading σπουδαιότερον, which is due to some copyist. But that in - ως is also found in classical Greek. See W-Sch [11]., p. 98. It is quite possible that we have here, as frequently in later popular Greek, a comparative with superlative force (see Blass, Gramm., p. 33). “I sent him with all haste” (including the notion of anxiety and concern which belongs to σπουδαῖος). ἔπεμ. Epistolary aorist. ἀλυπότ. Their joy means the lifting of a burden from his heart. He sympathised with Epaphroditus' yearning for home. He sympathised with the Philippians' anxiety for their brother. Chr [12]. aptly quotes Paul's own words in 2 Corinthians 11:29, τίς ἀσθενεῖ καὶ οὐκ ἀσθενῶ; τίς σκανδαλίζεται καὶ οὐκ ἐγὼ πυροῦμαι.

[11] Sch. Schmiedel's Ed. of Winer.

[12] Chrysostom.