B. Epaphroditus, Now Well, Is Returning (2:25-30)

Epaphroditus, the bearer of the letter, had been sent to Paul with the Philippian believers' gifts, but had fallen ill and almost died (vv.27, 30) on his mission of mercy. What is noteworthy about this episode is the fact that God uses people to be his hands, feet, and voice in ministering in the community of believers. However, God does not exempt his servants from adversity, even when they are engaged in missions of mercy. We see again a hint of the realism of (and confidence in) Paul’s theology of the Cross.