Philippians 2:25
New International Version
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.

English Standard Version
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

Berean Standard Bible
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I esteemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

King James Bible
Yet I supposed 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.

New King James Version
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;

New American Standard Bible
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need,

NASB 1995
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

NASB 1977
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

Legacy Standard Bible
But I regarded it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

Amplified Bible
However, I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, [who has been] my brother and companion and fellow soldier, who was also sent as your messenger to take care of my needs.

Christian Standard Bible
But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus —my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need—

American Standard Version
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;

Contemporary English Version
I think I ought to send my dear friend Epaphroditus back to you. He is a follower and a worker and a soldier of the Lord, just as I am. You sent him to look after me,

English Revised Version
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I feel that I must send Epaphroditus-my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier-back to you. You sent him as your personal representative to help me in my need.

Good News Translation
I have thought it necessary to send to you our brother Epaphroditus, who has worked and fought by my side and who has served as your messenger in helping me.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, I thought it best to send Epaphroditus—my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need—back to you.

Majority Standard Bible
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.

NET Bible
But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.

New Heart English Bible
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need;

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet I deem it important to send Epaphroditus to you now--he is my brother and comrade both in labour and in arms, and is your messenger who has ministered to my needs.

World English Bible
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I thought [it] necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and fellow-workman and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need,

Berean Literal Bible
Now I esteemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

Young's Literal Translation
And I thought it necessary Epaphroditus -- my brother, and fellow-workman, and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need -- to send unto you,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I thought necessary Epaphroditus, my brother, and cooperator, and fellow-soldier, and your sent, and workman of my necessity, be sent to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow labourer, and fellow soldier, but your apostle, and he that hath ministered to my wants.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now I have considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and co-worker, and fellow soldier, and an attendant to my needs, but your Apostle.

New American Bible
With regard to Epaphroditus, my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister in my need, I consider it necessary to send him to you.

New Revised Standard Version
Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But right now I am forced through circumstances to send to you Epaphroditus, a brother, and assistant and co-worker with me, but he is also your apostle and one who ministers to my wants.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But now a matter has compelled me to send Epaphroditus to you, a brother who is a helper and worker with me, but your Apostle and a Minister of my needs,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and companion in labor and fellow-soldier, but your apostle, who also ministered to my want,

Godbey New Testament
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, and apostle and the minister of my necessity;

Haweis New Testament
But I have thought it necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-labourer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and the minister who supplied my want.

Mace New Testament
however I thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus my brother, my collegue in the ministry, and my fellow-soldier, whom you had sent to supply my wants:

Weymouth New Testament
Yet I deem it important to send Epaphroditus to you now--he is my brother and comrade both in labour and in arms, and is your messenger who has ministered to my needs.

Worrell New Testament
Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;

Worsley New Testament
However, I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and fellow-laborer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, who ministred to my wants:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Epaphroditus Commended
24And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. 26For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:23
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Philemon 1:2
to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:

Colossians 4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. / With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

Acts 19:22
He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.

2 Timothy 4:12
Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11
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. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

Ephesians 6:21-22
Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

1 Peter 5:12
Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

Acts 15:25-26
So we all agreed to choose men to send to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, / men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:9
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

2 Corinthians 8:18-19
Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel. / More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Epaphroditus.

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

my brother.

2 Corinthians 2:13
I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8:22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

companion.

Philippians 4:3
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

2 Corinthians 8:23
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

fellowsoldier.

2 Timothy 2:3,4
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…

Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

but.

Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

John 17:18
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

2 Corinthians 8:23
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

and he.

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? …

Jump to Previous
Apostle Arms Care Companion Comrade Counted Deem Epaphroditus Epaphrodi'tus Fellow Fellowsoldier Fellow-Soldier Fellow-Workman Fight Help Important Labour Messenger Minister Ministered Necessary Need Needs Part Seemed Servant Soldier Supposed Think Thought Wants Work Worker
Jump to Next
Apostle Arms Care Companion Comrade Counted Deem Epaphroditus Epaphrodi'tus Fellow Fellowsoldier Fellow-Soldier Fellow-Workman Fight Help Important Labour Messenger Minister Ministered Necessary Need Needs Part Seemed Servant Soldier Supposed Think Thought Wants Work Worker
Philippians 2
1. Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;
12. to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,
16. and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.
19. He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.














But I thought it necessary
The phrase "But I thought it necessary" indicates a personal decision made by Paul, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the action he is about to describe. The Greek word for "necessary" (ἀναγκαῖον, anankaios) suggests something that is indispensable or essential. In the context of Paul's ministry, this reflects his deep sense of responsibility and care for the Philippian church. It highlights the apostle's discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making decisions that affect the well-being of the early Christian communities.

to send to you
The act "to send to you" demonstrates Paul's proactive approach in maintaining communication and support with the Philippians. The Greek verb "to send" (πέμπω, pempo) implies a deliberate action, often used in the context of sending messengers or letters. This reflects the interconnectedness of the early church and the importance of fellowship and encouragement among believers, even when separated by distance.

Epaphroditus
Epaphroditus is a significant figure in the Philippian church, and his name means "lovely" or "charming" in Greek. He was a member of the Philippian congregation who was sent to assist Paul during his imprisonment. His role underscores the active participation and sacrifice of lay members in the early church, serving as a model of dedication and service for all believers.

my brother
By calling Epaphroditus "my brother," Paul emphasizes the familial bond that exists among Christians. The term "brother" (ἀδελφός, adelphos) is used throughout the New Testament to denote the spiritual kinship among believers, transcending biological ties. This highlights the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ, where all members are equal and cherished.

fellow worker
The phrase "fellow worker" (συνεργός, sunergos) indicates a partnership in the gospel ministry. Paul acknowledges Epaphroditus as a co-laborer, recognizing his contributions and efforts in spreading the message of Christ. This term underscores the collaborative nature of Christian ministry, where each member plays a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

and fellow soldier
Describing Epaphroditus as a "fellow soldier" (συστρατιώτης, sustratiotes) evokes the imagery of spiritual warfare. It reflects the challenges and opposition faced by those who proclaim the gospel. This metaphor highlights the courage, perseverance, and commitment required in the Christian life, as believers are called to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

who is also your messenger
The term "messenger" (ἀπόστολος, apostolos) in this context refers to someone sent on a mission, specifically by the Philippian church to assist Paul. This role is crucial in maintaining the connection between Paul and the Philippians, ensuring that their support and communication are effectively conveyed. It underscores the importance of emissaries in the early church, who facilitated the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of church communities.

and minister to my needs
Epaphroditus is described as a "minister to my needs," highlighting his role in providing for Paul's physical and emotional well-being during his imprisonment. The Greek word for "minister" (λειτουργός, leitourgos) often refers to one who performs a public service or religious duty. This reflects the sacrificial nature of Christian service, where believers are called to support and care for one another, especially in times of hardship.

(25) Epaphroditus.--The name was often shortened into Epaphras. But it was a common name; hence any identification with the Epaphras of Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23, is, to say the least, extremely precarious. It is hardly likely that one who was a native Colossian would be a resident and chosen messenger of Philippi. The three titles here given him are closely joined together in the original, and form a kind of climax--"brother" in a common Christianity, "fellow-worker" in the service of Christ, "fellow-soldier" in the "hardness" of daring and suffering, which the warfare of the Cross implies. (See 2Timothy 2:3-4.)

Your messenger.--The original word is apostle; and by some interpreters, ancient and modern, it has been thought that it is intended here to designate the chief pastor--or, in the modern sense, the bishop--of the Philippian Church (as probably is the case with the "angels" of the churches in the Apocalypse); and the word "your" is then explained in the same sense as the words "of the Gentiles" in Romans 11:13. But this is very unlikely, (1) because there seems to be no example to confirm the statement that the chief pastor of a church was ever called its "apostle;" (2) because the character of the apostolate, being general and evangelistic, was very different from that of the local and pastoral episcopate; (3) because in this passage the word is inseparably connected with the following "and minister to my needs," showing the latter phrase to be explanatory of the previous word; (4) because the style of commendation in Philippians 2:29 is hardly suitable as applied to one whose office alone should have commanded respect. Our version is, therefore, correct in rendering it "messenger," just as in 2Corinthians 8:23 ("the messengers of the churches"), where there is a similar reference to the transmission of alms. . . .

Verse 25. - Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus; translate, but I count it necessary. Ἡγησάμην here and in Ver. 28 are epistolary aorists; they point, that is, to the time of reading the letter, not to that of writing it; and are therefore to be rendered by the English present. Epaphroditus is mentioned only in this Epistle. Epaphras is the contracted form, but the name is a common one, and there is no evidence of his identity with the Epaphras of Colossians and Philemon. He seems to have been the bearer of this Epistle. St. Paul felt that to come himself, or even to send Timothy, might possibly not be in his power; he thought it necessary, a matter of duty, to send Epaphroditus at once. My brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier. Mark how the epithets rise one above another; they imply fellowship in religion, in work, in endurance. But your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. "Your" refers to both clauses; "your messenger, and (your) minister to my need." Epaphroditus had brought to St. Paul the contributions of the Philippians (Philippians 4:18). Some think that the word rendered "messenger" (ἀπόστολος, literally "apostle") means that Epaphroditus was the apostle, that is, the bishop of the Philippian Church. It may be so (comp. Philippians 4:3, and note); but there is no proof of the establishment of any diocesan bishops, except St. James at Jerusalem, at so early a period. The word ἀπόστολος. both here and in 2 Corinthians 8:23 (ἀπόσψολος ἐκκλησιῶν), is probably used in its first meaning in the sense of messenger, or delegate. The Greek word for minister, λειτουργός, seems to imply, like λειτουργία in Ver. 30, that St. Paul regarded the alms of the Philippians as an offering to God, ministered by Epaphroditus. (But see Romans 13:6, also 2 Kings 4:43; 2 Kings 6:15, etc. in the Greek.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I thought [it]
ἡγησάμην (hēgēsamēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2233: (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider.

necessary
Ἀναγκαῖον (Anankaion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 316: Necessary, essential, intimate, right, proper. From anagke; necessary; by implication, close.

to send back
πέμψαι (pempsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Epaphroditus,
Ἐπαφρόδιτον (Epaphroditon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1891: From epi and Aphrodite; Epaphroditus, a Christian.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

brother,
ἀδελφὸν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

fellow worker,
συνεργὸν (synergon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4904: A fellow worker, associate, helper. From a presumed compound of sun and the base of ergon; a co-laborer, i.e. Coadjutor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

fellow soldier,
συστρατιώτην (systratiōtēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4961: A fellow soldier (in the Christian faith). From sun and stratiotes; a co-campaigner, i.e. an associate in Christian toil.

[who is] also
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

messenger
ἀπόστολον (apostolon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

minister
λειτουργὸν (leitourgon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3011: From a derivative of laos and ergon; a public servant, i.e. A functionary in the Temple or Gospel, or a worshipper or benefactor.

to my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

needs.
χρείας (chreias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.


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NT Letters: Philippians 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 2:24
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