Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:30

"because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me." — Philippians 2:30 (ASV)

There were two reasons why Epaphroditus deserved a genuine welcome. First, he had been engaged in the work of Christ and had actually risked his life to accomplish it. Second, he had been trying by his labors to make up for the Philippians’ absence from Paul, and so they owed him their gratitude. Epaphroditus’s close call with death came about as a result of his sickness (v.27), not because of persecution or adverse judicial proceedings. Moreover, his ailment was directly due to his Christian labors on behalf of Paul. Inasmuch as 4:14–18 reveals that the Philippians had done more than other churches for the apostle, the lack of service mentioned here must be the lack of their physical presence with him (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:17). This Epaphroditus had supplied by his presence and personal care.