Philippians 2:28-30 - He nearly died for the work of Christ

2:28

So Paul is keen to send Epaphroditus to the Philippians so that they can see that he was indeed fine. There are some commentators who seem to suggest he was a second best option. The text does not support such a notion. Paul wants the Philippians to be relieved of as much stress as possible.

2:29,30

Paul urges them to welcome Epaphroditus with “great joy”. They should not be disappointed that it was not Paul or Timothy. He is also an example of the sort of person Paul desired all of them to be. He was the sort of person worthy of honour. Churches can sometimes fall into the trap of honouring the wrong sort of characteristics. Epaphroditus almost died because of his commitment to Christ.