26. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick.
27. For indeed he was sick near unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. I sent him therefore the more eagerly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in honor:
30. Because for the work of Christ he was near unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.