Philippians 2:19-30

COMMENTS

I actually studied this passage yesterday, but there was so much to cover in my blog that I saved it for today.  Which worked out because the Lord had me review the last few days in today’s quiet time.  I love Him, and I love that He loves to commune with me ;-).

Somehow, I didn’t expect this section of Chapter 2 on Timothy and Epaphroditus to say much.  While the Lord didn’t speak as loudly as he has the last couple of days, there’s some important stuff here.  Why am I surprised?  It’s God’s Word, after all!

NOTES

The lesson of Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Epaphroditus goes back to earlier lessons about unselfishness and looking to the interests of others, as well as taking care of your own needs.  It seems that God never tells us anything just one time.  So far in Philippians he has TOLD us, and now he SHOWS us!

Timothy and Epaphroditus are there because Paul has needs.  He has expressed those needs to people he loves, and they have responded.  He graciously accepts their help and commends and thanks them for it.  But he doesn’t abuse it.  He sends Epaphroditus back to his people in Philippi as soon as he’s able to do so.  This was delayed because Epaphroditus became ill.  But notice the unselfishness even is this.  Epaphroditus is “distressed” (v. 26) because they heard that he was ill.  He nearly died, but he’s concerned that his friends may be worried.  Note that Paul considers God’s mercy in sparing Epaphroditus as merciful not only to Ep (nickname!) but also to Paul—to spare him “sorrow upon sorrow”.

I interject a thought here—in 1:23 Paul declares that to be with Christ is “better by far”; however, in this passage he considers God merciful to spare Ep’s life.  Is he contradicting himself?  I don’t believe so.  I think he’s recognizing that as humans, we grieve the physical loss of someone dear to us, even when we know that person is better off with the Lord.

One final thought.  Ep was there to help Paul with his needs; however, in verse 30 Paul says that men like Ep should be honored “because he almost died for the work of Christ”.  What?  He was just helping Paul.  What does that have to do with the “work of Christ”?  We each have different callings.  “The work of Christ” may be preaching to a large crowd or being a missionary; or it may be teaching a small class, cooking a meal, cleaning the bathrooms, rocking a baby, or any of a thousand other things that seem meaningless or unimportant to the doer.  But when God calls you—whether to big things or small—you are advancing His kingdom and honoring Him when you obey.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  -1 Cor. 10:31