Philippians 2:28

28 I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.

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 I send him because he is longing to see you all and is distressed at your having heard of his illness.

27 For it is true that he has been ill, and was apparently at the point of death; but God had pity on him, and not only on him, but also on me, to save me from having sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.

29 Receive him therefore with heartfelt Christian joy, and hold in honour men like him;

30 because it was for the sake of Christ's work that he came so near death, hazarding, as he did, his very life in endeavouring to make good any deficiency that there might be in your gifts to me.