Verse 26
Paul decided to send Epaphroditus immediately because word had reached Epaphroditus that his fellow Philippians had learned that he had been ill. This knowledge had created a longing in his heart for his brethren and had distressed him. His feelings were intense. Paul used the word translated "longing" (NASB) or "longs" (NIV, Gr. epipotheo) earlier to describe his own feelings for the Philippians (Philippians 1:8; cf. James 4:5; 1 Peter 2:2). "Distressed" (Gr. ademonon) also described Jesus’ feelings in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33).
"It describes the confused, restless, half-distracted state, which is produced by physical derangement, or by mental distress, as grief, shame, disappointment, etc." [Note: Lightfoot, p. 123.]
Epaphroditus may have been an especially sensitive Christian. On the other hand his concern may reflect a misunderstanding that had put him in a questionable light since he had left Philippi. [Note: Kent, pp. 135-36.]
Be the first to react on this!
