Philippians 2:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.

NIV: For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

NASB: because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

CSB: since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick.

NLT: I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

KJV: For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

NKJV: since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

This verse provides three unique pieces of information about Epaphroditus. First, he missed his friends in Philippi. It is uncertain whether he was personally from Philippi or not. This kind of remark makes it seem more likely that he was a church leader and local resident of this area. This would certainly explain why he missed home, as well as friends and family.

Second, he was concerned. He was apparently bothered by the fact that his friends knew he was sick, but had not yet heard he was now well.

This concern is due to the third piece of information, which is that Epaphroditus had been extremely ill. The exact sickness is not given, but was clearly serious and nearly fatal. This verse also clearly proves that those who faithfully serve Christ are not immune to troubles. Nor are they guaranteed miraculous healing, even by someone as spiritually powerful as Paul. God has a plan even for such difficulties, though we often are not told why. While God heals in some situations, He also allows sicknesses at other times. The world we live in is still one of cause and effect.

Philippians 2:19–30 is Paul's instructions to the Philippian church regarding two particular men: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was a trusted friend of Paul's, who would likely be visiting the church at Philippi soon. Epaphroditus apparently had friends and contacts in this church, and had brought support from Philippi to Paul. After recovering from a near-fatal disease, Epaphroditus is the one delivering this letter from Paul and Timothy.

Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus' name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul's trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon.

Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. A Christian's life, lived for Christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give God glory. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by Jesus Christ. His willingness to obey God the Father, even being crucified, is the ultimate example of humble service. In return, His name will be honored more than any other. Paul's instructions regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus also form a bridge to chapter 3, where Paul will contrast these good men with the dangers of false teachers.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.