22. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24. and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25. I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,
26. for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
27. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.