25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and ^mfellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So ⁿreceive him in the Lord with all joy, and ^ohonor such men, 30 for he ^pnearly died¹ for the work of Christ, risking his life ^qto complete what was lacking in your service to me.

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.