Philippians 2:30

Bible

NIV

Philippians 2

30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

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Philippians 2:30 in Other Translations

KJV

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

ESV

30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

NLT

30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.

MSG

30 Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.

CSB

30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Philippians 2:30 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 2:30

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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible