For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.
Parallel translations
- WEB because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
- KJV Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
- BSB because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
- NKJV because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
- NASB because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to compensate for your absence in your service to me.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Epaphroditus risked his life for Christ's work, nearly dying to supply what the Philippians could not. His sacrificial service earns honor.
Overview
He endangered his life to complete the ministry of support the church sent through him. His devotion to "the work of Christ" cost him dearly. Such willingness to spend oneself for the gospel is exactly the Christlike mind Paul has urged throughout the chapter.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 14
- 1 Cor 16:17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
- Acts 20:24But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
- Phil 4:10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
- Phil 4:18But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
- Matt 25:36–40I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’
- Phil 2:27For 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.
- Rom 16:4who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
- 2 Cor 12:15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
- Phlm 1:13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
- Rev 12:11They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death.
- 1 Cor 15:53For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
- Phil 2:17Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
- 1 Cor 16:10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
- Phil 1:19–20For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
How Philippians 2:30 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.