The last phrase of v. 26 has understated the case, and Paul now tells his readers how serious his friend’s illness had been.

There is no indication of the cause or the nature of the sickness.

 There is no suggestion of instantaneous, miraculous healing even though Paul had performed many healings in past years (see on Acts 19:11, 12; 28:8, 9). The gift of divine healing was not exercised in every instance, even on those on whom the healer would most naturally have desired to use the gift. The gift, which came from God, was under the control and direction of God (cf. on 1 Cor. 12:9).

Perhaps Paul thinks of his imprisonment as one sorrow. If Epaphroditus, who had come to minister to him in his bonds, should die, Paul’s “sorrow” would be infinitely increased.