22
But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
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Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
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But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
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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;
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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.
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Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
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because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.