A.T. Robertson Commentary Philippians 2:25

"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;" — Philippians 2:25 (ASV)

I counted it (ηγησαμην). Epistolary aorist from the point of view of the readers.

Epaphroditus (Επαφροδιτον). Common name, though only in Philippians in N.T., contracted into Epaphras, though not the same man as Epaphras in Col 1:7. Note one article τον (the) with the three epithets given in an ascending scale (Lightfoot), brother (αδελφον, common sympathy), fellow-worker (συνεργον, common work), fellow-soldier (συνστρατιωτην, common danger as in Phm 1:2). Μου (my) and υμων (your) come together in sharp contrast.

Messenger (αποστολον). See 2 Corinthians 8:23 for this use of αποστολος as messenger (missionary).

Minister (λειτουργον). See on Ro 13:6; 15:16 for this ritualistic term.