Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto
death
Meaning either the work the church sent him about, and which he
cheerfully undertook, and faithfully performed in carrying of a
present to, and visiting the apostle in prison; which is called
the work of Christ, because taken by Christ as if it was done to
himself; and which, what with the long and fatiguing journey from
Philippi to Rome, and the frequent visits he made to the apostle,
and the much business besides that lay upon his hands, brought
upon him a disorder which greatly threatened his life, and had
almost issued in his death: or else the work of preaching the
Gospel so frequently and constantly, and with so much zeal and
vehemency at Rome; and which may be called the work of Christ,
because it is what he calls unto, and qualities for, and in which
his glory is greatly concerned; and on which this good man was so
intent, gladly spending himself, and being spent in it, that he
was brought through it to the brink of the grave:
not regarding his life:
he was careless of that, and of his health; he loved not his
life, nor counted it dear to himself; he rather despised it, and
made no account of it, being very willing to deliver it up, and
sacrifice it in such a good work and cause:
to supply your lack of service towards me;
to do that in their name, room, and stead, which they, through
absence, could not do in person; signifying, that what was done
to him, and for him, was but a piece of service and duty to him;
and which this good man and faithful minister and messenger of
theirs having done for them to the hazard of his life, he ought
therefore to be received by them with great joy, and to be highly
honoured and respected.