Philippians 2:25-30

25Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick near to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28I sent him therefore the more eagerly, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.1 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:2 30Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, to supply the want of your service toward me.