Epaphroditus, the man in our verse, was sent by the church at Philippi to support Paul in his time of need.
”I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18 ESV)
We're not told much about Epaphroditus, but we do know that when he was with Paul he became ill, ”nearly unto death”. Word got back to the Philippian church and they were troubled when they heard of it. Epaphroditus, in turn, was disturbed because his news had upset his beloved people and they didn't know that he was already fully healed.
”Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.” (Philippians 2: 25-27 NLT)
We can be in a conflict when we're sick. Usually we need to keep others aware of our situation, but at the same time, we don't want to bother them with our problems. What should we do? Do we suffer in silence and lose the benefit of sympathetic love?
Epaphroditus wasn't suffering alone, he had Paul to help him. It's good to have friends to console and help us when we're suffering. Those whom we can be honest with and share our feelings, regardless of how depressed and upset we are. Someone who can pray with us, and glorify the Lord, no matter what happens to us.
Then, for those who ask about our current situation and aren't in our inner circle, we can tell them that we (and the Lord) are taking things one day at a time.
”If Jesus, the author of our salvation, was made perfect through his many afflictions, it is fitting that we should be also. We are being made holy for heaven. So, I don’t want to waste my suffering in the here-and-now. I want it to purify my heart from sin, strengthen my faith, and get me ready for as much eternal joy as possible. And who knows? Maybe when I arrive, Jesus will hold me close, pat-pat me on the back, and say, “There, there; everything’s okay now, you are home, you are safe, I’m here with you for always.” Joni Eareckson Tada