since he was longing after you all, and grieving, because you heard that he was sick.

For he was indeed nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not only him, but me also, in order that I may not have sorrow upon sorrow.

because he was nigh unto death on account of the work of Christ, having jeoparded his life, in order that he might fulfill your deficiency of ministry towards me.

in reference to zeal, persecuting the church, according to righteousness which was in the law being blameless.