And, indeed, he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

I sent him, therefore, the sooner, that, by seeing him again, you might rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful.

because for the work of the Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, that he might supply that which was lacking in your service to me.