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Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Philippians 2:28

Philippians 2:28. I have sent him therefore the more diligently. That is, because of his longing to return, and because I desired that he should be restored to health, for which result this was the surest means. ‘Diligently' indicates that St. Paul had allowed no time to elapse after the recovery of Epaphroditus before he sent him away. The whole language bespeaks the tenderness of the apostle both for the sick man and his friends at home. Though he found solace and help in his presence, he would keep him no moment longer than was needful.

that when ye see him again, ye may rejoice. The adverb is so placed that it seems as though it was meant to qualify the last verb as well as the first. Indeed, some have taken it with that verb rather than with the former. ‘Ye may again have joy,' which is fled from you since ye heard the tidings of his sickness.

and that I may be the leas sorrowful. For he could not be without sorrow as long as he knew of the anxious friends in Philippi. When their messenger was among them once more, the weight on the mind of St. Paul would be lightened.

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See also Philippians 2:28 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    Verse 28. _THE MORE CAREFULLY_] σπουδαιοτερως. With the more _haste_ or _despatch_; because, having suffered so much on account of his apprehended death, they could not be too soon comforted by seeing...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    I SEND HIM THEREFORE THE MORE CAREFULLY - With more diligence, or speed; I was the more ready to send him. THAT I MAY BE THE LESS SORROWFUL - That is, on account of my solicitude for you; that I may...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    II. CHRIST, THE BELIEVER'S PATTERN CHAPTER 2 _ 1. Oneness of mind through self effacement (Philippians 2:1)_ 2. The humiliation and exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:5) 3. Work out your own salva...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    PHP_2:19-30. TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS. Paul proposes to send Timothy in advance of his own expected visit, that he may obtain encouraging news about them. There is no one else to send, the others bein...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    THE CAUSES OF DISUNITY (Php_2:1-4)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, your messenger and the servant of my need, because he is longing for you all, and he is very distre...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    CAREFULLY. diligently. see. App-133. LESS SORROWFUL. more free from _grief._ Greek. _alupoteros._ Only here....

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _I sent_ In an English letter it would run, I HAVE SENT, or I AM SENDING. _carefully_ Better, with R.V. DILIGENTLY; taking pains to arrange. _less sorrowful_ A beautiful touch of character. Among his...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ἜΠΕΜΨΑ. Anglicé, “I have sent,” “I am sending.” ἈΛΥΠΌΤΕΡΟΣ. Again with perfect candour of heart he does not say “glad,” but “less sorrowful.” The separation from Epaphroditus would be a human sorrow,...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    HE PROPOSES SOON TO SEND TIMOTHEUS: HE SENDS WITHOUT DELAY EPAPHRODITUS...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΣΠΟΥΔΑΙΟΤΈΡΩΣ _adv. сотр. от_ ΣΠΟΥΔΑΊΩΣ (G6081) поспешно; _сотр._ особо срочно (BAGD). С особым рвением, зависящим от обстоятельств (Lightfoot). ΈΠΕΜΨΑ _aor. ind. act. от_ ΠΈΜΠΩ (G3992) посылать. Эпи...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    I SENT HIM— _I have sent him._ The Vulgate renders the word Σπουδαιοτερως, which we translate _the more carefully,_ by _festinantius,_—the _more speedily;_ which seems best to agree with the Apostle's...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    28. I HAVE SENT HIM THEREFORE THE MORE DILIGENTLY, THAT, WHEN YE SEE HIM AGAIN, YE MAY REJOICE, AND THAT I MAY BE THE LESS SORROWFUL. 29. RECEIVE HIM THEREFORE IN THE LORD WITH ALL JOY: AND HOLD SUCH...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. THE MORE CAREFULLY - more so than I should have done if ye had not been...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    _ THE LIVING EXAMPLES_ 19 The word soul has lost its significance in English, especially in its compounds, hence we render idiomatically "good cheer," for "well souled" and "equally sensitive" for "e...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    2:28 rejoice, (i-15) Or 'seeing him again ye might rejoice.'...

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    LETTER OF JOY Paul’s Letter to the Philippians _HILDA BRIGHT_ CHAPTER 2 PAUL’S APPEAL FOR UNITY AND *HUMILITY 2:1-4 V1 You are united with Christ and that encourages you. You know the comfort of...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    I SENT HIM THEREFORE THE MORE CAREFULLY. — That is, _I was the more earnest and anxious to send him._ In any case the Apostle would have been desirous to express his thanks and send news by Epaphrodit...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    [5. Exhortation and Commendation (Philippians 2:12). (1) EXHORTATION TO WORK OUT THEIR SALVATION through the in working of God, and so to be lights in the world, and the glory of the Apostle, even i...

  • Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll)

    CHAPTER 9 TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS. Philippians 2:19 (R.V.) THE outpouring of his thoughts, his feelings, and his desires towards the Philippians has so far spent itself. Now he turns to mention the...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    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 w...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    NEWS OF EPAPHRODITUS: A CORDIAL WELCOME FOR HIM AT PHILIPPI BESPOKEN....

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    HONORING CHRISTIAN MESSENGERS Philippians 2:19 The Apostle nobly honored the younger men who wrought with him. He speaks of Timothy as his son, and expatiates on the genuineness of his loving interes...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    The apostle now urged those to whom he wrote to fill his joy to the full. In order to do this he indicated two causative facts which suggested two resulting experiences, and then referred to conduct i...

  • Gary Hampton Commentaries

    EPAPHRODITUS It is possible Epaphroditus was the one who carried this letter to the Philippians. "Your messenger" could be translated "your epistle" if he was the one sent. He was a brother in Christ,...

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    _And I may be without sorrow; without the great concern and trouble that I am now in for you. (Witham)_...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    (14) В¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    There is no epistle in the New Testament which gives so little space to the development of. doctrine as this to the Philippians. Need it be said that it has not the less its own proper office on that...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    28_I have sent him the more carefully_. The presence of Epaphroditus was no small consolation to him; yet to such a degree did he prefer the welfare of the Philippians to his own advantage, that he sa...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    But this, too, produced its effects. The apostle desired that their joy should be full, and that unity among the Philippians should be perfect; for his absence had allowed some seeds of disunion and d...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    I SENT HIM THEREFORE THE MORE CAREFULLY,.... Or in greater haste, and as soon as possible: THAT WHEN YE SEE HIM AGAIN YE MAY REJOICE; for this must greatly increase their joy, to see him again after...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Ver. 28. _That when ye see him_] And receive him as risen from the dead. Go...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _I sent him therefore the more carefully_ Or, _speedily_, as σπουδαιοτερως here signifies; _that seeing him again_ In a state of health, _ye may rejoice_ May be comforted after your trouble; _and that...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    I SENT HIM, THEREFORE, THE MORE CAREFULLY, THAT, WHEN YE SEE HIM AGAIN, YE MAY REJOICE, AND THAT I MAY BE THE LESS SORROWFUL,...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    The return of Epaphroditus to Philippi:...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    In the first chapter we have seen that Christ is the very principle of life that motivates the apostle in whatever circumstances, - and so indeed it should be for all believers. Chapter 2 now brings C...

  • Manly Luscombe Commentary on New Testament

    A Priceless Pair 1 Peter 2:19-30 1. KEY WORDS 19 Trust, comfort, state 20 Likeminded, naturally, care 21 Seek, own, things of Christ 22 Proof, served, gospel 23 Hope, soon 24 Trust, shortly 2...

  • Mark Dunagan Commentaries

    “I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that. may be the less sorrowful” “I have sent him therefore the more diligently”: “The more promptly” ...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    19-30 It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ea...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    I SENT HIM THEREFORE THE MORE CAREFULLY; after his recovery, without delay, denying myself the comfort of his seciety, I have despatched him away to you. THAT, WHEN YE SEE HIM AGAIN, YE MAY REJOICE; t...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    Php_2:28 Therefore G3767 sent G3992 (G5656) him G846 eagerly G4708 that G2443 see G1492 (G5631) him G846 again G3825 rejoice...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.' It would appear that Paul's fatherly heart had also been burdened...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    MEANWHILE HE IS SENDING HIS LETTER WITH EPAPHRODITUS THEIR FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN WHO HAS BEEN CLOSE TO DEATH ‘FOR THE WORK OF CHRIST' (PHILIPPIANS 2:25). Epaphroditus is pictured as having the mind of Chr...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    PAUL NOW GIVES TWO EXAMPLES OF MEN WHO, LIKE HIMSELF, HAVE THE MIND THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS (PHILIPPIANS 2:19 TO PHILIPPIANS 3:1). Having expressed his own willingness to be ‘poured out as a libation'...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    YE MAY REJOICE (χαρητε). Second aorist passive subjunctive with ινα in final clause of χαιρω, to rejoice.THAT I MAY BE THE LESS SORROWFUL (καγω αλυποτερος ω). Present subjunctive with ινα and com...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: Christ, the believer's pattern, rejoicing in lowly service. The outworking of inworked salvation. The apostolic example. CHARACTERS: Christ, Holy Spirit, God, Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus. C...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    Philippians 2:1. _If there be therefore any consolation in Christ._ Brethren who are joined in the Lord, professing the same faith, and despised of the world, are expected to comfort and encourage one...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    SO THAT YOU. "I could use his help here, but I send him back to you, so that your own happiness will make me happy tool...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    I SUPPOSED IT NECESSARY TO SEND TO YOU EPAPHRODITUS_--_ EPAPHRODITUS I. His titles. 1. The first of these shows his religion, and his holy union with the apostle and other believers. For the Christi...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _For He longed after you all _ THE SICKNESS OF EPAPHRODITUS I. The sickness and its lessons. 1. God’s children are subject to sickness as long as they live. (1) This arises from the nature of the...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly _ CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP I. Is founded in the faith of Christ. II. Concerns itself for the state of others. III. Is unselfish. IV. Is proved by...

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 2:25 Epaphroditus, who is from Philippi, is another example of genuine Christian love. ⇐...

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    PHILIPPIANS—NOTE ON PHILIPPIANS 2:1 Encouragement to Humble Service. Paul calls the Philippians to unite in love and humility (vv. Philippians 2:1), following

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philippians 2:25. EPAPHRODITUS.—Brother, work-mate, comrade-in-arms, Church-messenger, and serving-man. What a designation! St. Paul thinks him worthy of all the honou...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION PHILIPPIANS 2:1 IF THERE BE THEREFORE, ANY CONSOLATION IN CHRIST. Mark the fervor of the apostle. Ὅρα πῶς λιπαρῶς πῶς σφοδρῶς πῶς μετὰ συμπαωείας πολλῆς (Chrysostom). He appeals...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if [there is] any comfort of love, if [there is] any fellowship of the Spirit, if [there is] any bowels [compassion] and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, tha...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 John 1:3; 1 John 1:4; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Timothy 1:4; Acts 20:38;...

  • Wells of Living Water Commentary

    HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD LIVE Philippians 2:1 INTRODUCTORY WORDS We were told that when Minister Wu, of China, was addressing an American audience in Washington, D. C., upon comparative religions, he s...

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    That I may be the less sorrowful — When I know you are rejoicing....

  • William Burkitt's Expository Notes

    Here, first, St. Paul assigns the reason why he was so careful to send back Epaphroditus to the Philippians, namely, to assuage his own grief, and to increase their joy, THAT WHEN YE SEE HIM, YE MIGHT...

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Old Testament