Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 2:29

"Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor:" — Philippians 2:29 (ASV)

Receive him therefore in the Lord. As the servant of the Lord, or as now restored to you by the Lord, and therefore to be regarded as a fresh gift from God. Our friends, restored to us after a long absence, we should receive as the gift of God, and as a proof of his mercy.

And hold such in reputation. Margin: honour such. This is a high commendation of Epaphroditus, and, at the same time, it enjoins an important duty in regard to the proper treatment of those who sustain such a character. It is a Christian duty to honour those who ought to be honoured, to respect the virtuous and the pious, and especially to honour those who evince fidelity in the work of the Lord.