24. And I'm sure I myself will come soon if the Lord allows it.
25. But I think it's necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you. He is my brother in the Lord. He is a worker and a soldier of Christ together with me. He is also your messenger. You sent him to take care of my needs.
26. He longs for all of you. He is troubled because you heard he was sick.
27. He was very sick. In fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him. He also had mercy on me. God spared me sadness after sadness.
28. So I want even more to send him to you. Then when you see him again, you will be glad. And I won't worry so much.
29. Welcome him as a brother in the Lord with great joy. Honor people like him.