Bible Strands
Philippians 2:29
Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Philippian church as he prepares to dispatch Epaphroditus back to them following the man's illness. He issues this command immediately after explaining that Epaphroditus nearly died to compensate for the Philippians' lack of service to Paul.
The words — The imperative προσδέχεσθε (prosdechesthe) means "do receive" or "welcome," modified by ἐν κυρίῳ (en kyriō) "in the Lord" and μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς (meta pases charas) "with all joy." These terms structure the reception as a formal, spiritually mandated act rather than a casual greeting.
The thread — The pattern of honoring faithful workers appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Corinthians 16:18, and 1 Timothy 5:17, where early churches are instructed to acknowledge, appreciate, and grant double honor to those who labor in ministry.
Why it lands — The text demands that the community actively welcome the returned messenger and accord him the respect due to those who risk themselves for the gospel. It requires readers to treat ministry laborers as worthy of joy and honor, not as personal servants or expendable resources.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12 But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
- 1 Corinthians 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.
- Romans 16:2 Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
- Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
- Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
- Luke 9:5 If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.”