2:30 Because for the {s} work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
(s) He calls here the work of Christ the visiting of Christ, being poor and in bonds in the person of Paul.
2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death. Because it was his work for Christ, his refusal to spare himself, his supreme anxiety,
to supply your lack of service toward me. To supply by his own service the absence of the church, which brought on his sickness.
2:30 To supply your deficiency of service - To do what you could not do in person.
2:19-30 It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.
