18
For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
19
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20
For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22
But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
23
Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24
But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
25
Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
26
since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
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For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
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Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.