26. since he had a longing desire after you all, and was distressed because ye had heard that he was sick;
27. for he was also sick close to death, but God had mercy on him, and not indeed on him alone, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him ye might again rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful.
29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour;
30. because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death, venturing his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward me.