Philippians 2:27

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

For {G1063} indeed {G2532} he was sick {G770} nigh {G3897} unto death {G2288}: but {G235} God {G2316} had mercy {G1653} on him {G846}; and {G1161} not {G3756} on him {G846} only {G3440}, but {G235} on me {G1691} also {G2532}, lest {G3363} I should have {G2192} sorrow {G3077} upon {G1909} sorrow {G3077}.

Indeed he was ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him — and not only on him, but also on me — otherwise I would have had sorrow piled on sorrow.

He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Context of Philippians 2:27

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to the Philippian church, where he is commending and explaining the delayed return of Epaphroditus, their messenger to him. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul during his imprisonment (Philippians 4:18). While serving Paul, Epaphroditus fell gravely ill. Paul highlights his dedication, describing him as "my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier" in Philippians 2:25. This passage reveals Paul's deep personal connection to his fellow workers and his profound gratitude for God's intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mercy and Providence: The central message is God's direct and compassionate intervention. Epaphroditus was "nigh unto death," indicating a critical condition from which human effort alone might not have recovered him. God's mercy was extended to preserve his life. This underscores the biblical truth that God is intimately involved in the lives of His servants and can miraculously sustain them.
  • Paul's Deep Affection and Humanity: Paul's confession, "and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow," reveals his genuine human emotion and the profound impact Epaphroditus's potential death would have had on him. Already burdened by imprisonment and concerns for the churches, the loss of a dear co-laborer would have compounded his grief. This shows Paul's vulnerability and his reliance on God's comfort and the fellowship of believers.
  • The Value of Christian Fellowship and Co-Laborers: The verse implicitly emphasizes the importance of those who serve alongside us in ministry. Epaphroditus's life was precious not only for his own sake but also for the relief and support he provided to Paul. God's mercy preserved this vital relationship, highlighting the interconnectedness and mutual dependence within the body of Christ.
  • Suffering in Service: While not explicitly stated here, the surrounding context (Philippians 2:30) indicates Epaphroditus's illness was a result of his zealous service, "for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life." This verse shows God's merciful response to such dedication.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "nigh unto death" powerfully conveys the severity of Epaphroditus's condition. It means he was on the very brink of dying, emphasizing the critical nature of his sickness and the miraculous aspect of his recovery. The expression "sorrow upon sorrow" vividly describes Paul's potential double burden of grief – the loss of a beloved brother combined with his existing afflictions and anxieties.

Practical Application

Philippians 2:27 offers several timeless applications for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Mercy: It reminds us that God is merciful and hears prayers concerning sickness and distress. Even in desperate situations, we can appeal to His compassion and trust in His divine providence, knowing that His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • Empathy and Support for Fellow Believers: Paul's vulnerability encourages us to acknowledge our own needs for support and to extend genuine care and empathy to those who are suffering or burdened in ministry. We are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
  • Recognizing God's Hand: This verse prompts us to see God's hand in our circumstances, even in recoveries from illness or relief from distress, and to give Him the glory for His merciful interventions.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 34:19

    Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

  • Philippians 2:30

    Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

  • Acts 9:37

    And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber.

  • John 11:3

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • John 11:4

    When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:7

    So that contrariwise ye [ought] rather to forgive [him], and comfort [him], lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

  • Psalms 103:3

    Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

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