16. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
17. And if I am even offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20. For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.
21. For all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.
22. But ye know the proof of him, that as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick.
27. For indeed he was sick nigh to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. I sent him therefore the more speedily, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh to death, not regarding his life, to supply the want of your service towards me.