So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:29
What does Philippians 2:29 mean?
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Philippians 2:29
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Paul urges the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus with "all joy" not just because he's returning, but because those who serve Christ with such selfless devotion are rare treasures. He highlights that honoring such individuals is a divine imperative, a recognition that God Himself esteems them.
So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippian church after he was gravely ill in Rome, an illness that nearly cost him his life and caused Paul great distress. Paul urges the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus back with immense joy and to hold him in high esteem, not just because he is their messenger, but because of his faithful service in caring for Paul.
Paul urges the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus back with open arms. What does it look like to truly 'receive' someone 'in the Lord'?
When Paul tells the Philippians to 'receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy,' he's not just talking about a polite greeting. The phrase 'in the Lord' signifies that Epaphroditus is to be welcomed as a representative of Christ himself. His return is a gift from God, a testament to His mercy. Therefore, the joy shouldn't be superficial but a deep, sincere gladness, reflecting the value of Christ's servant.
This isn't just about Epaphroditus; it's a principle for how we treat all those who serve Christ faithfully. It means welcoming them not just into our homes, but into our hearts and communities, recognizing their divine calling and the sacrifices they may have made.
The verse doesn't just say 'receive him,' but also to 'hold such in reputation.' What makes certain individuals worthy of such high esteem?
The exhortation to 'hold such in reputation' means to honor and highly value them. This honor isn't earned through worldly success or personal charisma, but through their faithful service to Christ. Epaphroditus, for instance, had suffered greatly, even to the point of near-death, because of his diligent work for Christ and his service to Paul.
These individuals are described as 'precious pearls from God's treasuries.' Their dedication, even when it leads to personal suffering or sacrifice, makes them invaluable to the work of the Gospel. To honor them is to acknowledge God's work in and through them, recognizing that they are esteemed by God and thus should be esteemed by us.
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Understand the original words
prosdechomai · Greek Verb
To welcome or accept someone into fellowship; a command often linked to Christian hospitality and the reception of fellow believers as representatives of Christ.
entimos · Greek Adjective/Verb (adverbial phrase)
To hold in high regard, value, or esteem; in a Christian context, it involves recognizing the worth of those who serve the Lord faithfully.
The verse is a warm personal request from Paul, urging the Philippian believers to welcome back Epaphroditus with great joy and honor, especially in light of his dangerous illness contracted while serving Paul and the church.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. Despite his confinement, he continued to write letters and minister to the growing Christian communities.
c. AD 57
Epaphroditus Travels to Rome
Epaphroditus, a beloved fellow worker and messenger from the Philippian church, traveled to Rome to bring financial support and minister to Paul during his imprisonment.
c. AD 57
Epaphroditus Falls Critically Ill
While serving Paul in Rome, Epaphroditus became gravely ill, to the point where his life was despaired of. This illness caused him great distress and concern for the Philippians.
c. AD 57— this verse
Epaphroditus Recovers and Prepares to Return
By God's mercy, Epaphroditus recovered from his severe illness. Paul, seeing his recovery and understanding Epaphroditus's longing to return to his home church, decided to send him back to Philippi.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Philippians
Paul penned the letter to the Philippians during his Roman imprisonment, likely around the time Epaphroditus was recovering and preparing to depart. The letter expresses deep affection and provides instructions regarding Epaphroditus's return.
This passage echoes the sentiment of valuing those who serve Christ, urging believers to place themselves 'at the disposal of' such individuals.
1 Timothy 5:17It directly supports the call to 'hold such in reputation' by specifying that elders who rule well and labor in preaching and teaching are worthy of double honor.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13This verse provides a strong parallel, commanding believers to 'respect' and 'esteem them very highly in love because of their work,' aligning with honoring faithful servants like Epaphroditus.
Luke 10:16Jesus' words here establish a profound connection: 'Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me.' This elevates the importance of receiving and honoring Christ's messengers.
Romans 16:2The phrase 'receive her in the Lord' sets a precedent for welcoming fellow believers in a manner that is Christ-centered and appropriate for their service within the community.
barnesPhilippians 2:29: "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:"
Receive him therefore in the Lord - As the servant of the Lord, or as now restored to you by the Lord, and therefore to be regarded as a fresh gift from God. Our friends restored to us after a long absence, we should receive as the gift of God, and as a proof of his mercy. And hold such in reputation - Margin, honor such. This is a high commendation of Epaphroditus, and, at the same time, it en…
calvinPhilippians 2:25-30: "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants."
- He longed after you. It is a sign of a true pastor, that while he was at a great distance, and was willingly detained by a pious engagement, he was nevertheless affected with concern for his flock, and a longing after them; and on learning that his sheep were distressed on his account, [154] he was con…
Paul urges the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus with "all joy" not just because he's returning, but because those who serve Christ with such selfless devotion are rare treasures. He highlights that honoring such individuals is a divine imperative, a recognition that God Himself esteems them.
Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippian church after he was gravely ill in Rome, an illness that nearly cost him his life and caused Paul great distress. Paul urges the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus back with immense joy and to hold him in high esteem, not just because he is their messenger, but because of his faithful service in caring for Paul.
Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippian church after he was gravely ill in Rome, an illness that nearly cost him his life and caused Paul great distress. Paul urges the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus back with immense joy and to hold him in high esteem, not just because he is their messenger, but because of his faithful service in caring for Paul.
"So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men," — Paul urges the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus with "all joy" not just because he's returning, but because those who serve Christ with such selfless devotion are rare treasures. He highlights tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026