Philippians 2:25-30; NKJV
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 was a member of the church in Philippi. He was sent by the Philippians to Paul to minister to his needs while he was in prison. While in Rome he became so sick he nearly died. As soon as he was well Paul sent him back to Philippi to ease the minds of his brethren.
Epaphroditus was a man who was to be held in high esteem because of work and heart. He loved the Lord and the Lord's people. He worked to glorify God and to edify his brethren. Follow his example and be held in high esteem among your brethren to the glory of God.
