The concern of Epaphroditus and the Philippians for one another led Paul to send their messenger back to them at once. He may have done so earlier than he would have otherwise. This would lessen Paul"s concern about the Philippians knowing that Epaphroditus" return would relieve his readers" anxiety. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 2:19-30 - Honoring Christian Messengers
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 interest in each of his converts. He describes Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier. How tenderly he refers to his sickness and recovery, as though God had conferred on himself special favor in giving back this beloved comrade in the great fight!
It is well worth while to ponder the remark that God does not add sorrow to sorrow, Philippians 2:27. He tempers His wind to the shorn lamb. He cautions the accuser that he must not take Job's life. With the trial He makes the way of escape. He keeps His finger on the wrist while the operation is in progress, and stays it as soon as the pulse flutters. Not sorrow upon sorrow! Note also that "hazarding" of life, Philippians 2:30, r.v. It was a common experience in those great days of Christ's suffering Church, Acts 15:26. How strange it is today to watch the sacrifices that men and women will make in times of war, when a new spirit is stirring in the world and men adventure everything for liberty, righteousness, and fatherland, and then compare this extravagant expenditure of blood and treasure with what we have done for Jesus. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 2
1Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility; 12to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world, 16and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God 19He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:28
Ye may rejoice [χαρητε] Second aorist passive subjunctive with ινα hina in final clause of χαιρω chairō to rejoice. [source]
That I may be the less sorrowful [καγω αλυποτερος ω] Present subjunctive with ινα hina and comparative of old compound adjective αλυπος alupos Beautiful expression of Paul‘s feelings for the Philippians and for Epaphroditus. [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 2:28 mean?
All the more speedilythereforeI have senthimthathaving seenagainyou may rejoiceand Iless anxiousmight be
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:28
Second aorist passive subjunctive with ινα hina in final clause of χαιρω chairō to rejoice. [source]
Present subjunctive with ινα hina and comparative of old compound adjective αλυπος alupos Beautiful expression of Paul‘s feelings for the Philippians and for Epaphroditus. [source]