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Matthew 10:40,41
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me…

Luke 9:5
And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

with.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Luke 2:10,11
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people…

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

and.

2 Corinthians 10:18
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

1 Thessalonians 5:12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for thatis unprofitable for you.

hold such in reputation.

Acts 28:10
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they ladedus with such things as were necessary.

1 Corinthians 16:18
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

with great joy
Joy is a recurring theme in the book of Philippians, often referred to as the "Epistle of Joy." Despite Paul's imprisonment, he repeatedly encourages the Philippians to rejoice. This joy is not based on circumstances but on their relationship with Christ. The joy in welcoming Epaphroditus is both a personal and communal celebration of his recovery and return, as well as a recognition of his faithful service. This mirrors the joy found in other New Testament passages, such asLuke 15:7, where there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

and honor men like him
The call to honor individuals like Epaphroditus highlights the value placed on faithful service and sacrifice within the Christian community. In a culture where honor and shame were significant social constructs, Paul redefines honor in terms of service to Christ and others. This aligns with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 20:26-28, where greatness is equated with servanthood. The early church recognized and esteemed those who exemplified Christ-like qualities, encouraging others to follow their example, as seen inHebrews 13:7, which urges believers to remember and imitate their leaders' faith.

Paul has just told the Philippians that Epaphroditus “nearly died for the work of Christ” (Philippians 2:30). Now he instructs them to roll out a joyful, Christ-centered welcome.

• “Welcome” is personal—open arms, warm smiles, shared meals, as inRomans 15:7: “Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

• “In the Lord” reminds us that Christian fellowship is rooted in our shared union with Christ, not in mere social courtesy (cf.Mark 9:37;Matthew 10:40).

• “With great joy” fits the letter’s dominant theme (Philippians 4:4). Joy flows naturally when we see God’s hand in a brother’s faithful service and safe return (Acts 15:3).

Practical take-away:

– Celebrate God’s faithfulness when servants return from ministry.

– Let gratitude drown out any faint criticism that Epaphroditus “failed” by getting sick; Paul will have none of that (Philippians 2:26-28).

– Hospitality is ministry—Matthew 25:35 calls it kingdom work.

Paul moves from welcome to esteem. Not every believer risks life for the gospel, but those who do deserve special honor.

• “Honor” is an action, not a sentiment—public commendation, material support, and heartfelt gratitude, echoingRomans 12:10: “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.”

• “Men like him” widens the lens to all who pour themselves out for Christ.1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 urges, “acknowledge those who work diligently among you… esteem them very highly in love.”

• Scripture never flatters celebrity; it lifts up humble service. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43-45). Epaphroditus embodies that greatness.

Ways to honor today:

– Tell their stories; testimony fuels faith (Hebrews 13:7).

– Meet practical needs—housing, health care, financial help (3John 6-8).

– Follow their example of sacrificial obedience (Hebrews 6:12).

Philippians 2:29 is a two-part call: joyfully embrace frontline servants of Christ and visibly esteem their gospel-driven sacrifice. Doing so magnifies the Lord who sent them, strengthens the church family, and sets a pattern for every generation of believers.