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25 Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow-soldier, your messenger^* and minister to my need; ²⁶for he has been longing for^* all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. ²⁷He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. ²⁸I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. ²⁹Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honour such people, ³⁰because he came close to death for the work of Christ,^* risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.

3Finally, my brothers and sisters,^* rejoice^* in the Lord.

Breaking with the Past

To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard.