Philippians 2:29

“Receive him therefore, etc.] Not only into their houses, where such as bring the doctrine of Christ should be admitted, and not others; but into their bosoms, into their hearts and affections, as he had reason to believe they would, and into their fellowship and communion, and to the exercise of his office among them, as their minister: and that in the Lord; or “for the Lord”, as the Arabic version renders it; for his sake, because he was one that was put into the ministry by him, was called unto it, and qualified for it, and sent forth to minister in it by him; or in the name of the Lord, as an ambassador of his, as representing him, and as if he himself was present; for he that receives a…”

“Receive him--There seems to be something behind respecting him. If extreme affection had been the sole ground of his "heaviness," no such exhortation would have been needed [ALFORD]. in reputation--"in honor."”

“Receive him therefore in the Lord - As the servant of the Lord, or as now restored to you by the Lord, and therefore to be regarded as a fresh gift from God. Our friends restored to us after a long absence, we should receive as the gift of God, and as a proof of his mercy. And hold such in reputation - Margin, honor such. This is a high commendation of Epaphroditus, and, at the same time, it enjoins an important duty in regard to the proper treatment of those who sustain such a character. It is a Christian duty to honor those who ought to be honored, to respect the virtuous and the pious, and especially to honor those who evince fidelity in the work of the Lord. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:29-30 Epaphroditus deserved their honor, for he risked his life for Christ on their behalf (for the importance of showing honor, cp. Rom 10:12; 13:7; Eph 5:33; 6:2; 1 Tim 5:17; 6:1; 1 Pet 2:17; 3:7).”

“Receive: Mat 10:40, Mat 10:41; Luk 9:5; Joh 13:20; Rom 16:2; Co1 16:10; Co2 7:2; Col 4:10; Jo3 1:10 with: Isa 52:7; Luk 2:10, Luk 2:11; Act 2:46, Act 8:8; Rom 10:15; Eph 4:9-12 and: Co2 10:18; Th1 5:12; Heb 13:17 hold such in reputation: or, honour such, Act 28:10; Co1 16:18; Ti1 5:17 Philippians 2:30”