²⁶ For he was longing for you all and troubled because you heard that he was sick. ²⁷ He certainly was sick, close to death. But God had mercy on him—and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I have sent him with special urgency, so that when you see him again you might rejoice and I might be less worried about you.