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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
2:25-30 Epaphroditus as Another Example of Service. Epaphroditus, who is himself from Philippi, is another example of genuine Christian love. He has been longing for the Philippians just as Paul longs for them (1:8; 4:1), and has been eager to let them know that God has spared him from his severe illness.
2:27 To die and be with Christ is far better (1:21), and yet God shows mercy to Epaphroditus in sparing his life. Christians can be assured that a fellow Christian truly is in Christ's presence upon his or her death (see note on 1:23); even so, it is proper on such occasions to feel sorrow upon sorrow.
2:30 The Christlikeness of Epaphroditus is highlighted by Paul's careful use of words. Having said that Christ was obedient "to the point of death" (v. 8, Gk. mechri thanatou), Paul now says that Epaphroditus was "near to death" (v. 27) and that he nearly died (v. 30, also with Gk. mechri thanatou). Epaphroditus had faced this peril on behalf of the Philippians, who had desired to send gifts to support Paul but had not been able to do so (what was lacking in your service to me) until Epaphroditus made it possible (see 4:10, 18).
