Philippians 2:25
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
While a prisoner at Rome, Paul received gifts sent by the church at Philippi through Epaphroditus to supply his need. Epaphroditus was at once Paul's brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and at the same time the Philippians' messenger who personally served Paul's wants. While in Rome Epaphroditus fell sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him by restoring him and had mercy on Paul by sparing Paul added sorrow.
When the Philippians heard of his sickness they were anxious, and Epaphroditus longed for them and was distressed over their worry. Paul sent Epaphroditus back so that the Philippians would rejoice to see him again and Paul himself would be less sorrowful. The Philippians are to welcome Epaphroditus in the Lord with gladness and to honor such men. The reason for this honor is that for the work of Christ he came near death, risking his life to supply the service to Paul that the Philippians could not render themselves.