Bible Strands
Philippians 2:30
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian congregation, instructing them to receive Epaphroditus upon his return after a severe illness that brought him to the brink of death.
The words — ἔργον τοῦ Χριστοῦ (ergon tou Christou) translates literally as "work of Christ," while μέχρι θανάτου (mechri thanatou) means "unto death."
The thread — The text explicitly links life-risking service to Christ's work in Philippians 2:30 and Acts 20:24, while 1 Corinthians 16:17 records the separate theme of offsetting a community's lack of practical support.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to formally welcome and honor those who sacrifice their physical safety for ministry, and it calls the community to actively supply what they previously failed to provide.
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
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Philippians 4:10 Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
- Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
- Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’
- Romans 16:4 who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
- 1 Corinthians 15:53 For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
- 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 12:15 And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
- Philippians 1:19 because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.