OUR FATHER  IN WHOM THE APOSTLE PAUL PUT HIS HOPE EVEN WHILE IN CHAINS

In chapter two verses 19 - 30 of Paulˋs letter to the Corinthians , the apostle Paul commends Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians. Timothy was being sent to them to encourage them and also to report back to Paul on their state so that Paul would be encuraged when he heard of their condition.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Epaphroditus, who was a co-worker of Paul, was also to be sent to the philippians as a trusted brother who almost lost his life in serving Paul an so Paul tells the Philippians to receive him with gladness and to esteem him.

Amen.

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