Philippians 2:28

28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him ye might again rejoice, and that *I* might be the less sorrowful.

Philippians 2:28 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 2:28

I sent him therefore the more carefully
Or in greater haste, and as soon as possible:

that when ye see him again ye may rejoice;
for this must greatly increase their joy, to see him again after he had been so long from them, and under such a disorder, which had made them to fear they should never see him more. The Syriac version renders it, "that when ye see him ye may rejoice again"; as they had done heretofore in his conversation and ministry, when among them:

and that I may be the less sorrowful;
when he should hear of his safe arrival among them, and of their joyful reception of him to their mutual satisfaction, which would be an alleviation of the apostle's sorrow in his present circumstances; for he did not expect to be wholly without sorrow while in this life.

Philippians 2:28 In-Context

26 since he had a longing desire after you all, and was distressed because ye had heard that he was sick;

27 for he was also sick close to death, but God had mercy on him, and not indeed on him alone, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him ye might again rejoice, and that *I* might be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in [the] Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour;

30 because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death, venturing his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward me.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'seeing him again ye might rejoice.'