22. But you know Timothy’s proven character, that he served with me in spreading the Good News like a son with his father.
23. Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me.
24. And I trust in the Lord that soon I too will come myself.
25. But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and aide to my need.
26. For he was longing for you all and troubled because you heard that he was sick.
27. He certainly was sick, close to death. But God had mercy on him—and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. Therefore I have sent him with special urgency, so that when you see him again you might rejoice and I might be less worried about you.
29. So welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard,
30. because he came close to death for the work of Messiah, risking his life to make up for what was lacking in your service to me.