Philippians 2 28

Philippians 2:28 kjv

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Philippians 2:28 nkjv

Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

Philippians 2:28 niv

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

Philippians 2:28 esv

I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

Philippians 2:28 nlt

So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 28 Meaning

Philippians 2:28 articulates Paul's decisive and earnest action of sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippian believers. His primary motive is two-fold: to alleviate the Philippians' concern and bring them joy upon seeing their devoted brother returned safely, and consequently, to reduce his own anxiety stemming from Epaphroditus's dangerous mission and illness, as well as the deep care he held for the church. It highlights the profound interconnectedness and mutual emotional support within the early Christian community, particularly between a spiritual leader and his flock.

Philippians 2 28 Context

Philippians chapter 2 transitions from an appeal for unity and humility, exemplified by Christ's self-emptying (vv. 1-11), to practical examples of this humility in real people: Timothy (vv. 19-24) and Epaphroditus (vv. 25-30). Verse 28 specifically concludes Paul's explanation for why he is sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi. Epaphroditus had traveled from Philippi to Rome to minister to Paul and deliver the Philippians' financial gift. During his service, he fell gravely ill, almost to the point of death (Phil 2:27). News of his illness reached the Philippians, causing them distress, which in turn caused Epaphroditus concern for them. Paul, seeing Epaphroditus's recovery and desiring to relieve both Epaphroditus and the Philippians, made the decision to send him home. This verse is deeply rooted in the historical reality of dangerous ancient travel, the fragility of life, the profound communal bonds of early Christians, and Paul's sensitive, pastoral leadership from his imprisonment in Rome.

Philippians 2 28 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν, oun): This Greek particle signifies a logical consequence or inference, directly connecting this action to the preceding narrative of Epaphroditus's illness, recovery, and the Philippians' concern (Phil 2:25-27). It indicates Paul's action is a reasoned response to the situation.
• I sent him (ἔπεμψα, epempsa): A strong, definite aorist verb, emphasizing Paul's intentional and completed action. "Him" refers to Epaphroditus, making this an administrative decision flowing from Paul's pastoral care.
• the more eagerly (σπουδαιοτέρως, spoudaioterōs): This comparative adverb means "more zealously," "more diligently," or "more quickly." It underlines the intensity of Paul's desire for Epaphroditus to return. This wasn't a casual decision but an urgent, heartfelt priority. It contrasts with any perceived delay.
• so that (ἵνα, hina): Introduces a purpose clause, delineating the reasons for Paul's urgent sending of Epaphroditus. There are two primary purposes specified here, affecting both the Philippians and Paul.
• when you see him again (ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν, idontes auton palin): Literally "having seen him again." The emphasis is on their physical reunion and the visual confirmation of Epaphroditus's well-being, which will immediately alleviate their fears. The "again" implies their previous knowledge of his illness and the concern that arose.
• you may be glad (χαρῆτε, charēte): A verb conveying deep joy or rejoicing. Paul desires their happiness and relief as the primary outcome of Epaphroditus's return, demonstrating his selfless concern for their emotional well-being. This reflects communal joy.
• and (καὶ, kai): Connects the two intended purposes.
• I may have less anxiety (κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ, k'agō alypoterōi ō): Literally "and I also may be less sorrowful" or "less grieved/anxious." The comparative adjective alypoterōs (less sorrowful/anxious) highlights Paul's own emotional state. His anxiety stems from two main sources: his deep personal bond with the Philippian church (1 Cor 12:26) and his concern for Epaphroditus's welfare, having almost died (Phil 2:27). Paul acknowledges his human need for relief and peace, linking his emotional state to theirs.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore I sent him the more eagerly": This phrase captures Paul's decisive, intentional, and urgent action rooted in love and concern. It's a proactive demonstration of pastoral leadership prioritizing the flock's welfare.
• "so that when you see him again you may be glad": This highlights Paul's primary goal: the Philippians' communal joy and relief. It reveals a leader deeply attuned to the emotional state of his church, seeking to mitigate their distress through tangible action.
• "and I may have less anxiety": This personal confession from Paul illustrates his vulnerability and genuine human connection with the Philippians. His own well-being is intrinsically tied to theirs; their joy will diminish his own pastoral anxieties. This emphasizes the reciprocal nature of encouragement within the body of Christ.

Philippians 2 28 Bonus section

This verse subtly demonstrates the principle of shared burden-bearing within the body of Christ. Paul acknowledges that the Philippians' anxiety concerning Epaphroditus was a burden, but Epaphroditus himself also felt anxious for them because they had heard of his illness (Phil 2:26). Paul, therefore, acts to lift multiple layers of worry: Epaphroditus's worry for his church, the church's worry for Epaphroditus, and Paul's own concern for both. This circular flow of concern and Paul's strategic intervention underline the depth of communal connection and Paul's nuanced pastoral understanding. It is an act of loving kindness and wisdom.

Philippians 2 28 Commentary

Philippians 2:28 reveals the tender heart of the Apostle Paul, underscoring that authentic spiritual leadership is profoundly relational and empathetic. Paul's eagerness to return Epaphroditus is not merely a logistical arrangement but a deeply pastoral act, designed to foster mutual joy and alleviate widespread anxiety within the Christian community. He consciously links his own emotional peace to the emotional well-being of the Philippians, demonstrating that his anxiety would lessen when their own distress concerning Epaphroditus's fate was resolved. This verse exemplifies Christian interdependence and self-giving love (cf. Phil 2:3-4), where Paul, despite his own challenging circumstances in prison, prioritizes the joy and peace of others. It also provides a vital model for leaders to share in the burdens of their people and to proactively seek their comfort and happiness.