[page 64 of volume 5]
I sent him therefore more carefully.
In this verse St Paul sets forth the end of sending Epaphroditus, viz., that they might have the more joy, and he the less sorrow. But it will be said, Paul had use of Epaphroditus himself; he was in prison; he had none to comfort him. But it is no wonder for him, that could set light by his own soul for God’s people, to part with a friend for the comfort of his people; and this ought we also to respect, namely, the comforts of God’s people above all. Thus did this apostle. He was content to forbear the joys of heaven for the good of the Philippians, in the first chapter. The children of God are of excellent spirits. They can overcome and deny themselves.
That when you see him again you may rejoice.
The Philippians hereby had a double cause of joy. First, sight of their pastor whom they loved. Seeing friends is more comfortable than all ways of hearing from them; and the joys of heaven are commended to us by the beatifical vision we hear of these joys here. But when we see them, then is our joy accomplished. The second cause of joy was in this, that now they should see Epaphroditus, as given them anew and sent from God; whose love, mercy, goodness, and power is more clearly seen in delivering men from danger than in preserving of men from falling into danger. It is more honour to God, and more comfort to men. For the Philippians received him as a token of God’s love to them, and as an effect of their prayers. Let us take notice of the enlargement of God’s love to us in delivering and enlarging any of our friends to us free from afflictions.
And I may be the less sorrowful.
The apostle was, and we must be sorrowful in this world; but sometimes more, sometimes less. For a Christian’s estate is ever full of ebbs and Hoods. But of this I spake formerly.
Standing Before God, This We Are and No More 