Returning Labourers to be Welcomed with Joy
R. Johnstone, LL. B. Philippians 2:26-28 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick.… You remember the enthusiastic welcome which was accorded among us to the brave young American, Stanley, who had encountered innumerable perils to carry aid to the illustrious missionary pioneer of Central Africa, David Livingstone. We felt as if in helping the noble old man, whom all of us had come to think of as a personal friend, he had helped ourselves. We know what pleasure and sense of honour would be felt if Florence Nightingale presented herself under our roof, or under the roof of any true-hearted countryman of those wounded soldiers of the Crimea, for whom she cared so wisely and lovingly, and who kissed her very shadow on the wall, as she passed through the wards of the hospital. Somewhat like this would be the position of Epaphroditus on his return to Philippi. The knowledge of his heroism and self-devotion in the cause of the Saviour they loved, and this in discharging the duties of a ministry for the relief and comfort of their dear friend and spiritual father the apostle, could not but lead them to feel it a peculiar privilege and honour to be permitted to welcome him once more among them. (R. Johnstone, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. WEB: since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick.