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For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
Verse Takeaways
1
Miracles on God's Terms
Multiple commentators, including Albert Barnes and Charles Ellicott, highlight that Paul, despite his apostolic authority and gifts of healing, could not simply perform a miracle to cure his friend. This demonstrates that miraculous power is not a personal tool to be used at will, but is dispensed according to God's sovereign timing and purpose. Paul's response was prayer and reliance on God's mercy, not a command for healing.
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Philippians
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death. Dr. Paley has remarked (Horae Paulinae, on Philippians, No. ii.) that the account of Epap…
19th Century
Anglican
God had mercy on him . . . and on me also.—The passage, over and above its interest as an example of the strong personal …
Paul therefore said that Epaphroditus had “indeed” been “ill” and had “almost died” as a result of his labors in the Lord’s service, perhaps from t…
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16th Century
Protestant
But God had mercy on him. He had expressed the severity of the disease — that Epaphroditus had been sick, so that life was despaired of — …
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death It was not a mere rumour, or a false alarm, but was real matter of fact; and it was not…
It is best for us when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretense only; with a willing heart and upright vi…
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13th Century
Catholic
Previously, the Apostle exhorted them to do works leading to salvation; here he teaches them how. First, he teaches them the way to perform these w…
