Philippians 2:30
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
for the work of Christ--namely, the bringing of a supply to me, the minister of Christ. He was probably in a delicate state of health in setting out from Philippi; but at all hazards he undertook this service of Christian love, which cost him a serious sickness. not regarding his life--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "hazarding," &c. to supply your lack of service--Not that Paul would imply, they lacked the will: what they "lacked" was the "opportunity" by which to send their accustomed bounty (Phi 4:10). "That which ye would have done if you could (but which you could not through absence), he did for you; therefore receive him with all joy" [ALFORD]. Next: Philippians Chapter 3
Open source ↗The apostle proceeds to further exhortations to several duties, to be like-minded, and lowly-minded, which he presses from the example of Christ (Phi 2:1-11), to be diligent and serious in the Christian course (Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13), and to adorn their Christian profession by several suitable graces (Phi 2:14-18). He then concludes with particular notice and commendation of two good ministers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, whom he designed to send to them (Phi 2:19-30).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.
For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.