^{25 Ref} But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and minister to my need;

^{26 Ref} since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick.

^{27 Ref} For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.

^{28 Ref} 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.

^{29 Ref} Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor,

^{30 Ref} because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.