Phili 2:25 | JFB | STEP | 25. I supposed-- "I thought it necessary." to send-- It was properly a sending Epaphroditus back ( ). But as he had come intending to stay some time with Paul, the latter uses the word "send" (compare ). fellow soldier-- in the "good fight" of faith ( , ; ; ). your messenger-- literally, "apostle." The "apostles" or "messengers of the churches" ( ; ), were distinct from the "apostles" specially commissioned by Christ, as the Twelve and Paul. ministered to my wants-- by conveying the contributions from Philippi. The Greek "leitourgon," literally, implies ministering in the ministerial office. Probably Epaphroditus was a presbyter or else a deacon.

‏ Philippians 2:25

25. I supposed--"I thought it necessary."

to send--It was properly a sending Epaphroditus back (Php 4:18). But as he had come intending to stay some time with Paul, the latter uses the word "send" (compare Php 2:30).

fellow soldier--in the "good fight" of faith (Php 1:27, 30; 2Ti 2:3; 4:7).

your messenger--literally, "apostle." The "apostles" or "messengers of the churches" (Ro 16:7; 2Co 8:23), were distinct from the "apostles" specially commissioned by Christ, as the Twelve and Paul.

ministered to my wants--by conveying the contributions from Philippi. The Greek "leitourgon," literally, implies ministering in the ministerial office. Probably Epaphroditus was a presbyter or else a deacon.