By Nicole McLeod
“Timothy and Epaphroditus, two examples of Christlike Spiritual Service”
Introduction:
In today’s section Paul is going to write about two very special men, his dear friends and co-laborers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Two ordinary men made extraordinary by the gospel of Jesus Christ, who are examples to believers of humble Christ-like spiritual service to others.
Paul cared deeply about those he led to Christ and wanted them to continue growing spiritually, and his letters were one way he continued to minister to them. Paul, Silas and Timothy had founded the Philippian church about 10 years earlier, and the church had grown, and Paul wanted to see them keep growing spiritually, and he is calling the believers to humility, unity and peace with one another. He was well aware of all they were up against in Philippi, both externally and internally. He wanted the church to be united, joyful and at peace and to shine like stars in a dark and corrupt world, holding fast to the Word of life.
On the surface, Paul is writing in these verses about practical things relating to the sending of this letter with Epaphroditus, and upcoming visits. Usually Paul adds these kinds of “housekeeping” items at the end of his letters with the final greetings, but he includes them here, the middle of the letter, because he has a purpose in this.
Paul, in his letter, has given the church instructions and in Ch. 2 has given them exhortations, and now in vs 19-30, he gives them illustrations. Instructions, exhortation and illustrations
Our study today of chapter 2:19-30, really begins in chapter 1:27 where Paul says, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” To live in a way that demonstrates to others the worth of the gospel. Then in Ch. 2, Paul poetically writes of the example of Christ’s humility and loving service to others, then Paul briefly mentions his own example, and now Paul commends the Timothy and Epaphroditus, who serve as his living illustrations (examples) of the Christlike mind/attitude and service that he is urging them to embrace.
The message outline for today will be very simple.
- Timothy’s example
- Epaphroditus’ example.
- Our own example.
And this is really the purpose of the study, to also be an example as we follow and serve our Lord Jesus. Each of us are examples of Christianity whether we realize it or not. Someone is watching, maybe a neighbor, a child, a relative, a skeptic…. Have you heard that expression, "You may be the only Bible some people ever read."?
Each of you are an example, and I believe a good example the women in this church and to your families, because you love the Lord and study His Word and worship and pray together. You are being an example. And being an example is not about perfection – it’s about direction. You are an example of a woman, following Christ is the direction you are heading in the world today.
In His Sermon on the Mount, our Lord Jesus taught, Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Paul believed in the power of example. Among the Greek and Roman writers of his time, there was a strong emphasis on learning through imitation of others. We teach as much by our example as by our words. He would probably agree with the quote: “The greatest tool of spiritual leadership is the power of an exemplary life.”
In later years, when Timothy was serving as the pastor of a church, Paul wrote to him, reminding him of the importance of this, 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Paul mentions 5 areas he was to be an example to the believers in: in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I would say that covers it. Are we aware that the things we say and do, are seen, not only by the Lord but by others?
Some may argue that Jesus is the only perfect example, and will say that we shouldn’t follow people because they are flawed and will let us down, and that is true also, but the Bible tells us to learn from godly examples.
Paul said, in 1 Cor. 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV).
In Phil 3:17, Paul wrote, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” When Paul says to “note those who so walk” he is saying, as you follow Jesus, look for good examples of people who allow the Word of God to shape their lives.
Timothy and Epaphroditus are men who follow this pattern. They have qualities that make them enduring examples, not only to pastors and missionaries, but to all of us who love Jesus and desire to live in a way that glorifies Him.
Message:
Phil. 2:19 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly...”
Paul hoped to send Timothy to not only minister to them in his place, but to get a first-hand report back of the condition of the church. Paul himself would like to go but was awaiting trial before Caesar Nero for his defense of the gospel, and it wasn’t clear if he would be released or put to death.
Note: Paul’s example of faith, his trust in the Lord. Paul had his desires and plans, but they were surrendered to God’s plans, and timing. Twice in these 6 verses, (vs 19 and 24) Paul uses this phrase, trust in the Lord. He says, “I trust in the Lord to send Timothy”, and “I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.” Paul knew how to make plans, and release his plans into God’s perfect plans, and trust in Him. This is a good example to us.
Phil. 2:20-24 Paul writes, “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.”
Paul gives 3 reasons why he plans to send Timothy to them, (instead of someone else). There were other Christians in Rome, so Timothy wasn’t his only choice. Timothy was the right choice.
1.(vs. 20a) “For I have no one like-minded,
The word that he uses here, like-minded, is only used once in the NT, and it means equal in soul. Paul and Timothy had the same attitude, mindset and dedication to the gospel. Remember, in vs 5, Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” the goal is like-mindedness, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose, looking to the interests of others. That was Paul’s mindset, and this mindset was shared by Timothy.
(vs. 20b) who will sincerely care for your state.” This is one of the most important reasons Paul wants to send Timothy – he sincerely cared about the believers condition, and this kind of sincere love, comes also from Christ, and is a quality we should all pray for to have in everything we do in the Lord. Do we care about the people we serve? They may not remember what we said to them, but they will remember the love they sensed from us.
In John 13:34-35 Jesus said this to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We must pray for Christ’s love to fill us if we are lacking in this area. Love is essential.
The second reason Paul gives: (21) “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” That’s a very convicting statement and is as true today as it was back in Paul’s day.
Pastor Chuck: “So many seek their own state. They put themselves first. They minister down to the people. They cannot say as Jesus ‘I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.’”
Timothy’s heart of selfless service to Christ stood out! He cared about others, because he cared about the things God cares about most.
The third reason Paul gives for sending Timothy, vs. 22 is that the believers in Philippi knew Timothy’s proven character. Phil 2:22 “But you know his proven character,
His character, his words, his actions were “proven.” Our character is revealed through how we handle trials and endure over time. Timothy was the kind of servant that Paul could trust, and God could bless. Timothy’s name means, “one who honors God,” and from all accounts, he lived up to that name.
(22) “…how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”
Paul didn’t have a biological son, but he had essentially raised Timothy in the faith as his son. Timothy, his grandmother Lois, and mother Eunice, had been among Paul’s early converts from the Jewish community in Lystra. When writing to Timothy years later, Paul expressed his great respect for these two women, recognizing their sincere and abiding faith (2 Timothy 1:5).
On his second missionary journey, revisiting the churches, (Acts 15:36-41), Paul saw something special in this young man and asked him to join his missions team, and he accepted. References to Timothy in the book of Acts say that he was like “a son”, “a brother”, “a close worker” and “a friend” to Paul. These descriptions show a closeness with Paul that was personal.
Paul was his mentor, and Timothy was his protégé. He was a willing learner and suffered hardship with Paul for the gospel. Timothy was discipled and became a “discipler” – this is the Biblical model for all believers. We encourage these kinds of relationships at the church and have many small group opportunities which make this kind of discipleship more available. We have much to learn from each other, and much to share with one another as well.
(23-24) “Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.”
Paul shows selfless love for this church in sending them Timothy, and Epaphroditus. These men were ministering to him and were valuable to him.
Timothy was of great use to Paul because he was willing to do anything Paul wanted him to do. Paul could send him somewhere, or take him with him, he would go. Paul could leave him somewhere, he would stay. And he was always faithful to fulfill that which God had given him to do. Four times in these 12 verses, we see this verb to send (vs. 19, 23, 25 and 28). Both Timothy and Epaphroditus were available to the Lord, to Paul, and to the church… to send. Availability is a great quality.
Are we available to the Lord and to the work of the ministry? Can we say with open hands, “Lord here I am. I am available to You today. Are we willing go on an errand, to make a meal, to fill a need at church, or help a neighbor?
- Paul now commends Epaphroditus:
Phil 2:25-26 “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.
Epaphroditus was a gentile believer from the church at Philippi where he was highly regarded. They chose to send him on the difficult and dangerous 800-mile journey to Rome, to bring the gift of financial support to Paul in prison and remain to minister to his needs. He left behind his home, his employment, his ministry, his church, his friends, and family to go and serve Paul. He was willing to lay aside who he was for others, and that’s what Jesus did. We admire him for his sacrifice.
His name Epaphroditus means “belonging to Aphrodite.” (The name of the goddess is in his name)! Christians would not name a child like this, but no he lived as a believer in Christ “belonging” to Jesus. He put Christ first, served others and fulfilled the mission God gave him to do. He was not a famous apostle, and he is only mentioned here in Paul’s letter, but he was known to God and praised by Paul.
Paul commends him as a “brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow soldier…
1-He was a beloved brother “in Christ”. Interesting!! Paul was 100% Jewish, Timothy was half Jewish and half gentile, and Epaphroditus came to faith as a gentile convert, these three close friends and fellow servants of the Lord form an interesting trio there in this Roman prison. Apart from Christ, these men would not be knit together. A beautiful picture of the unity in Jesus Christ that Paul wants to see in the church.
2-Paul also commends him also as a “fellow worker”. He was sent to serve Paul as a servant, but Paul treated him as a respected peer – a co-laborer, not as a servant. (Paul is a good example of how we are to treat those we serve with and those who serve us).
3-He is also Paul’s fellow soldier. How many of you know it's not just enough to be a worker in ministry, you need to be a prayer warrior too. Paul understood better than most that it is a spiritual battleground that we minister in and not a playground. Paul could rely upon him in the spiritual battles he faced. In Phil 1:27b, Paul wrote about “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” That would describe Epaphroditus. This is a good reason to have a prayer partner, someone to do battle with you in your spiritual battles for your loved ones.
Paul next describes him as “your messenger” Epaphroditus had served as the church’s messenger, to bring Paul the gift and supply his needs while in prison for the gospel, “and the one who ministered to my need.” And Paul was now sending him home to them,
(26b-28) “Since he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.”
Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were sensitive men, tender hearted and compassionate, reflecting the tender heart of the Savior. Paul had pointed out Timothy’s sensitivity, when he said that he would “sincerely care for their condition”. And here we see that Epaphroditus was distressed when he heard that the church was concerned for him in his illness. After all they had sent him to minister to Paul… but became deathly ill and was distressed over it.
His example reminds us that Christian ministry is not easy, it never has been, and it never will be! He was willing to set it all on the line to do the work of God. Some of the commentators say that his sickness was likely due to working so hard and pouring himself out in poor living conditions. But by the wonderful mercy of God Epaphroditus recovered. If he had died there in Rome there would have been much grief all around! God is a merciful God!
We need to pray for God’s mercy today on our sisters and brothers who are sick and recovering from surgery. May God pour out His mercy today on all the people we lift up in prayer to Him today for healing and help.
Even though God used Paul to heal many people of illnesses and afflictions, that power was not in his control, Paul more than anyone, understood the power of prayer, and that it was God alone who could bring about a healing.
Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus all had health issues while serving the Lord in often hostile and difficult conditions. They show us how to live and love others when it’s hard. One thing that gives us strength while following Jesus and suffering, is our fellowship with others and their spiritual encouragement on the journey.
Paul is now sending Epaphroditus home, with this letter, so Paul includes instructions to the church on how to receive Epaphroditus when he returns to them.
(29-30) Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness and hold such men in esteem because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.”
Paul wanted the church to honor him for his service in the ministry. Humble others centered sacrificial service is worthy of honor and recognition. Did you know October is Pastor Appreciation Month? I don’t know who made it up, but it’s great. May we remember to thank them and esteem them next month, and always.
The end of vs 30 is a little tricky, “to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.” Epaphroditus served Paul faithfully, on their behalf, in their place as their representative – and that was how he supplied the service they were not there to supply.
In summary: Both Timothy and Epaphroditus are great illustrations of Paul’s teachings and exhortations because their lives demonstrate the humble mind/attitude of Christ as they put others' interests over their own, and they willingly endured hardship for the sake of the gospel. We see Christ alive in them, and God’s love worked out through them. Sincere Christian love and humble service looks very much like Jesus.
Lastly, I want to encourage you to embrace your responsibility to be an example to others, for “we are ambassadors for Christ”.
When I was a new follower of Christ I needed to see believers loving and serving one another. They showed me what the Bible taught me. Later, I learned from good examples of Christian wives and mothers who put Christ’s teachings to practice in their families, which was very important. As the world is trying hard through it’s influencers, to press us into it’s worldly mold and mindset, we must press into Christ and into His word to stay on track.
We don’t compare ourselves to examples, but we learn from them to help us follow Christ. Our path forward is constantly beholding our Lord Jesus, so let’s follow his perfect example, and learn from Paul’s instructions and exhortations and illustrations, and keep working out what God is working in us, with reverence, humble submission to the Lord Jesus, and the teachings and promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Your story will look different than the ones we read about today, but may your life be a genuine illustration to those around you of the power and life of Christ at work in you. Christ in you, the hope of glory. Now may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Make us a blessing O Lord to someone today. Amen.