because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
30 Because for the work of Christ. I consider this as referring to that infirmity, which he had drawn down upon himself by incessant assiduity. Hence he reckons the distemper of Epaphroditus among his excellences, as it certainly was a signal token of his ardent zeal. Sickness, indeed, is not an excellence, but it is an excellence not to spare yourself that you may serve Christ.
Paul takes particular notice of two good ministers; for though he was himself a great apostle, and laboured more abundantly than they all, yet he took all occasions to speak with respect of those who were far his inferiors. I. He speaks of Timothy, whom he intended to send to the Philippians, that he might have an account of their state.
Commenting on Philippians 2:19-30
Verse 30. Because for the work of Christ. That is, either by exposing himself in his journey to see the apostle in Rome, or by his labours there. Not regarding his life. There is a difference in the Mss. here, so great that it is impossible now to determine which is the true reading, though the sense is not materially affected.