Philippians 2:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

NIV: Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

NASB: Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

CSB: For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious.

NLT: So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.

KJV: I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

NKJV: Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

In this verse Paul gave two other reasons for sending Epaphroditus to the Philippian believers. In addition to his work as a letter carrier, there was an element of reunion. His goal was to bring joy to his readers when Epaphroditus arrived. Why? First, he was their friend. They missed him and would be glad upon his return. Second, they had heard he was sick and would be excited to see him healthy again.

The other reason Paul sent him was personal to Paul himself. Paul seems to have been worried by the fact that Epaphroditus had been near death, and was then healed, yet his friends had not heard about this improvement. They were likely still praying and hoping for his physical situation to improve, but had received no news about his status. Receiving this update from Epaphroditus himself would be a welcome blessing, and greatly ease Paul's mind.

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.

Accessed 5/8/2024 7:08:41 PM