Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:25

What does Philippians 2:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:25 means

Paul deems it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians. He piles up titles to honor him: brother in Christ, fellow worker in ministry, fellow soldier in the conflict, their messenger, and a minister to Paul’s needs. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians with support; he had served sacrificially alongside Paul. By commending him so warmly, Paul ensures the church understands his worth and receives him with respect. This recognition strengthens partnerships and models how to value servants who labor quietly but faithfully for the good of others and the advance of the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But it seemed to me necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, who has taken part with me in the work and in the fight, and your servant, sent by you for help in my need;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I thought <FI>it<Fi> necessary Epaphroditus--my brother, and fellow-workman, and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need--to send unto you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-workman and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need,

Context

Paul now turns from future plans regarding Timothy and himself (vv. 23–24) to an immediate action: sending Epaphroditus (v. 25). The following verses (vv. 26–30) will explain Epaphroditus’s longing for the Philippians, his severe illness, God’s mercy in his recovery, and Paul’s instructions to honor him. These personal notes reinforce the chapter’s theme by showcasing another concrete example of Christlike service and by fostering mutual care and joy between Paul and the Philippian church.

v.24but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly.

v.25This passage

v.26since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Colossians 4:11

    and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:22

    And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you.

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:7

    Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought?

  • Proverbs 25:13

    As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So isa faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters.

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