Philippians 2:28
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Cross-references
Philippians 2:26 describes Epaphroditus' longing and distress—Paul's sending him in verse 28 directly addresses that distress.
Philippians 2:27 explains Epaphroditus' illness and recovery — the reason Paul can now send him to bring joy and lessen anxiety.
In Philippians 2:19, Paul sends Timothy to be cheered by their news — here he sends Epaphroditus so they may be glad, showing two directions of comfort.
John 16:22 has Jesus promising 'I will see you again and you will rejoice' — nearly identical phrasing to Paul's 'when you see him again you may rejoice'.
Acts 20:38 describes sorrow because they will never see Paul's face again — the opposite of the joyful reunion Paul anticipates here.
In 2 Timothy 1:4, Paul longs to see Timothy to be filled with joy — same desire for mutual joy through reunion as in this verse.
In Colossians 4:8, Paul sends Tychicus to encourage hearts — a nearly identical mission to Epaphroditus, sent to bring gladness and reduce anxiety.
In 1 Corinthians 16:18, Paul commends those who refresh his spirit and the church's — Epaphroditus serves a similar refreshing role for both.
2 Corinthians 2:3 shows Paul writing to avoid distress and ensure shared joy — a parallel to his aim here of rejoicing and less anxiety.
In 2 Corinthians 7:13, Paul rejoices that Titus was refreshed by the Corinthians — analogous to sending Epaphroditus for mutual comfort and joy.