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Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus; in the mean time he gives them an account why he esteemed it needful to send back Epaphroditus (whom some, but without sufficient warrant, would have to be the same with Epaphras, Col_1:7 4:12 Phm_1:23) unto them, not as if he had failed in doing what he was intrusted with, but for other weighty reasons.
My brother and companion in labour; he would have them to know he had nothing to blame him for, but all in his commendation, whom in the common faith he owned to be his Christian brother, and fellow helper, or fellow worker in the business of the gospel, as he calls others in the like circumstances, Rom_16:3,21 2Co_8:23 Col_4:11 1Th_3:2 Phm_1:24.
And fellow soldier; and a faithful and a constant associate with him in the Christian warfare, 2Co_10:4 1Ti_1:18 Phm_1:2, under Christ their Captain, against all the assaults of the devil, and the carnal world, which are continually warring to destroy real Christianity.
But your messenger; but your apostle, which must be understood largely, as it is sometimes put for any evangelist, deacon, or minister of the gospel, Rom_16:7,9, well rendered by us in this place messenger, compared with Phi_4:18 2Co_8:22,23; not being a special apostle of Christ, Mat_10:2, but an officer of the church at Philippi, delegated by them to carry relief to Paul.
And he that ministered to my wants; unto whom, it seems, he did not only deliver the present for his support according to his trust and commission, wherein he faithfully served the church, but also, as their public minister, greatly help Paul the prisoner in what he stood most in need of, which Paul could not but value, being the Romans were so mild as to permit him, a captive, so good attendance and assistance; yet, to declare his affections to the church at Philippi, he chose rather to deny himself his necessaries, than not to comfort them in remitting their faithful messenger, so greatly desiring their welfare, with this letter to them.