He almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life by coming here to provide the help you couldn’t give me yourselves because you were so far away.
You’ve made me very happy by sending me another gift. I know you were concerned about me all along, but you didn’t have the opportunity to send me anything until now.
But I’m not going to try to save my own life. My only goal is to finish the race and complete the work that the Lord Jesus has given me, to tell others the good news about God’s grace.
I’ve already received my full pay, and I have more than enough. I have everything I need, now that Epaphroditus has brought me the gifts you sent. They’re a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice that God accepts and that makes him happy.
They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by speaking the truth about Jesus to others. They didn’t love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
I would have liked to keep Onesimus with me so he could take your place in helping me while I’m being held in chains because of the good news I am offering.
Actually, he was very sick. He almost died! But God had mercy on him, and also on me. God spared me the sorrow of losing him on top of all my other sorrows here.
But even if my life is going to be poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I’ll be glad and joyful with all of you.
Our bodies that don’t last forever must be dressed with what does last forever. These bodies that perish must be dressed with what doesn’t perish, and these bodies that don’t last must be dressed with what lasts forever.