Proven coworkers

19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged when I learn the things concerning you.

20For I have no one like him who will genuinely care about your welfare,

21For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

22But you know his proven character, that as a child with his father he served with me for the gospel.

23Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

24I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

25But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need—

26since he was longing for all of you and was deeply distressed because you heard that he was sick.

27For indeed he was sick, nearly to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

28Therefore I sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less distressed.

29So welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in honor.

30because for the work of Messiah he came near to death, risking his life to make up for what was lacking in your service to me.