But I think it’s necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you now. He’s my brother in the Lord, and he’s a worker and a soldier for Christ together with me. He’s also your messenger, because you sent him to take care of my needs.
Earlier, in the city of Philippi, we suffered and the people treated us very badly, as you also know. But God still gave us the boldness to tell you his good news, even when people strongly opposed us.
And I urge you, my true companion, to help these women, because they’ve worked with me to spread the good news. So has Clement, and so have the rest of those who’ve worked together with me. Their names are all written in the book of life.
I asked Titus to go to you, and I sent our brother with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Weren’t he and I guided by the same Spirit to do the very same kinds of things?
The churches chose him to come along with us as we collect the offering and bring it to Jerusalem. We’re carrying out this work because we want to honor the Lord and show how ready we are to help.
They quickly signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came, and together they filled both boats so full that they nearly sank.
We’re also sending another one of our brothers with these two. This man has often proved to us in many ways how committed he is. He’s even more committed now because he has great confidence in you.