Philippians 2:25-30 - Epaphroditus' Mission
25 But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger [to me] and minister to my needs. 26 For he longed to see all of you and was very distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 And indeed, he was [so] sick that he almost died, but God had pity on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow on top of another. 28 So, I am all the more eager to send him to you people, so that when you see him again you will be glad, and that my sorrow will be lessened [i.e., in knowing that you are relieved to see that he is well again]. 29 So, you should welcome him in [the fellowship of] the Lord with great joy, and regard such people with honor, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to provide me with what you were not able to.