# Epaphroditus

This is the name of a man sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul in prison. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

# fellow worker and fellow soldier

Here Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus as if he were a soldier. He means that Epaphroditus is trained and is dedicated to serving God, no matter how great the hardship he must suffer. AT: "fellow believer who works and struggles along with us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# your messenger and servant for my needs

"who brings your messages to me and helps me when I am in need"

# he was very distressed, and he longed to be with you all

"he was very worried and wanted to be with you all"

# sorrow upon sorrow

The cause of the sorrow can be made explicit. AT: "the sorrow of losing him added to the sorrow I already have from being in prison" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/god]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]]