21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
22 But you know his proven character, that like a child with a father he served with me for the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see my circumstances.
24 And I am convinced in the Lord that I myself will arrive shortly also.
25 But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger and servant of my need,
26 because he was longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick, coming near to death, but God had mercy on him and not on him only, but also on me, so that I would not have grief upon grief.