Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

People's New Testament

2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness. Give him a glad welcome.

And hold such in reputation. Hold such as he in high reputation.

King James Translators' Notes

hold...: or, honour such

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

29. 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."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:19-30 It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.