Philippians 2:30

“because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me”

“Because”: Here is one more reminder of his personal sacrifice. “For the work of Christ”: In contrast, to ones own personal gain or agenda. “Hazarding His life”: Exposing himself to danger. “The word hazarding is. very dramatic term. It is. gambler's term. It means to risk. In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women called the gamblers. It was their aim and object to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases” (Jackson p. 59). “Such. word brings its own challenge and rebuke to an easy-going Christianity which makes no stern demands, and calls for no limits of self-denying, self-effacing sacrifice” (Hawthorne p. 120).

“To supply that which was lacking in your service toward me”: “To do for me in person what distance prevented you all from doing” (Phi). “That which you would have done if you could, he did for you--therefore receive him with all joy” (Alford p. 1269). “Lacking”: This is not. term of rebuke, rather Paul praises Epaphroditus and the whole congregation that sent him. He had simply done "in person", what they wanted to, but circumstances prevented all of them from doing. Hence in this chapter we have four examples of the attitude expressed in Philippians 2:3: Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8); Timothy (Philippians 2:19-24); Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30) and of course Paul who had unselfishly sent both of these beloved and needed co-workers. In view of such examples, the qualities demanded in Philippians 2:3 look very appealing.