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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Epaphroditus risked his life for the work of Christ, completing the service the Philippians could not render in person.
What Does Philippians 2:30 Mean?
Paul gives the reason Epaphroditus deserves such honor. For the work of Christ he came near to death, not regarding his own life, in order to supply what the Philippians themselves could not do for Paul in person.
Epaphroditus had laid his life on the line, disregarding his own safety for the sake of Christ's work and to minister to Paul on the Philippians' behalf. His service completed theirs; he did in person what distance prevented them from doing. This willingness to risk all for others is the very mind of Christ that the chapter has held up from the start, the One who did not regard his own life but gave himself for us. Epaphroditus walked that path in his own measure, and Paul honors him for it. The chapter that began with Christ's self-emptying ends with a man who embodied it, a living echo of his Lord.