Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 2:30

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death , not regarding his life , to supply your lack of service toward me .

By reason he was so zealous about the work of the Ministry in the general, or in special to carry on that service, as the Churches Messenger, he was entrusted with, ch. 4.18. not onely in conveying their benevolence on so long and hazardous a journey, for the relief of the Lord's Prisoner, which Christ would own and reward as his work, Mat. 25.39, 40. but in attending him (whom he was sent to visite) in his confinement both within doors and abroad as occasion required, Act. 28.30. (for it seems the Romans were so generous as to give free egress and regress to his Visitants) whereby he contracted that forementioned disease that hazarded his life.

The [illegible: 1 word] of which with respect to the work he was about, [illegible: 1 word] not consult (Ioh. 12.25.26.) but made little account of it, (as Hest. 4.16.) yea, did even despise it in the service of Christ, as the original word doth import, being borrowed from those whose lives are hazarded in being cast to be devoured by Beasts in the Theatre (which he himself by sad experience sometime knew the meaning of, 1 Cor. 15.32.)

So faithfull was he to his trust for the honour of his Lord, that to the very utmost of his strength, yea and beyond it, that which he reckoned those who sent would have done themselves had they been present, (considering what the Gospel requires▪ Gal. 6.2. Heb. 13.3.) that he Onisephorus-like, 2 Tim. 1.16. according to his measure made supply of in their absence.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 16.[illegible: 2 letters].