27. He certainly was sick, close to death. But God had mercy on him—and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. Therefore I have sent him with special urgency, so that when you see him again you might rejoice and I might be less worried about you.
29. So welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard,
30. because he came close to death for the work of Messiah, risking his life to make up for what was lacking in your service to me.