Philippians 2:25-30

Passage

I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, coworker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and minister to my need.  For while longing for you all he was distressed when you all heard that he was sick.  Indeed, he was sick – even near death.  But God showed mercy to him – and not only to him but to me as well – in order that I should not have grief upon grief.  Therefore, I am now more eager to send him so that you may rejoice at seeing him and I may be less anxious.  Receive him in the Lord with all joy as you receive all such men.  For he nearly died on account of the work of Christ after exposing his life to danger in order to fill up that which was needed in your service to me.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

 Paul now talks to the Philippians about Epaphroditus.  According to these words, Epaphroditus was from Philippi.  This means that he was one of the community to which Paul was writing.  This really comes out as we hear Paul talking about how much the Philippians were distressed when they heard that he was sick and how much Epaphroditus wanted to convince them that he was better once he had recovered.  What we see here is a genuine spiritual connection between Epaphroditus and his people.  No wonder this Philippian church was so strong.  The evidence of their spiritual connection is clear in their relationship.

Are you inspired by the amount of love between an apostle and their sending community?  How do you think such relationships are fostered?  Who should get the credit for the existence of such relationships?

Second Thought:

Paul gives Epaphroditus several personal titles here.  He calls him a brother.  That indicates a tie of spiritual family.  Paul calls him a “coworker.”  Paul elevates him up to his level, demonstrating humbleness while being willing to lift up Epaphroditus’ place in God’s kingdom.  Paul calls him a fellow soldier, indicating that the calling that Epaphrditus has undertaken has not been easy yet he has persevered.  He also calls him an apostle, demonstrating his belief that Epaphroditus is called by God to be doing the work.  We’ve already spoken about how Epaphroditus was from the Philippian community and came to help in Paul’s ministry.  Epaphroditus was a valued member of the team.  His gifts were given and used by God.

Imagine being a part of Paul’s team – God’s team, of course.  What do you think it would have felt like to do ministry beside Paul?  Who is your ministry team?  Who are your coworkers in the gospel?  Who are your fellow soldiers?  Who are the apostles standing shoulder to shoulder beside you?  How do you feel about them?

Third Thought:

The last sentence of this passage needs to be explained.  It is often translated in a manner as though Paul is chastising the Philippians.  There was nothing lacking from the Philippians.  Remember that this letter began with Paul praising their efforts to support him!  Rather, Paul is saying that Epaphroditus was supplying to him what they naturally could not supply because they weren’t with him day-to-day.  It wasn’t a condemnation; rather it was to set their mind at ease.  Paul was saying that his needs were being met as they do God’s work where God has called them to be!

How does God use your support in other areas of the world?  Who are you supporting in prayer, finances, verbally, or some other means?

Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 3:1-3