Immanuel - Mankato Bible Class
Study of Philippians – Lesson 11
March 25, 2001
Philippians 2:25-30

Literal Translation: "Now I considered it urgent to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister of my need, since he was longing for all of you and was experiencing distress because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was so sick that he nearly died, but God had mercy on him, and not on him alone, but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him with special urgency so that upon seeing him you might rejoice and I might be free of worry." (Verses 25-28)

Having promised to send Timothy as quickly as possible (cf. Verses 19-24), Paul now informs the Philippians of his reasons for sending Epaphroditus back to them. In fact, it was Epaphroditus who carried this epistle to Philippi. Epaphroditus had been the messenger for the congregation carrying their gift of support to Paul. He must, therefore, have been both respected and trusted by his fellow believers. He had fulfilled his calling faithfully and had been of great help and service to Paul, while he remained in Rome. You will recall that Paul had earlier commented on the fact that he had very few truly faithful helpers, who were more concerned about Christ than themselves (cf. 2:20-21). Epaphroditus was one of them, for Paul describes him both with affection and admiration. Epaphroditus was, according to Paul, his "brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier" in the work of Christ’s kingdom. However, during his stay in Rome he had become gravely ill and, in fact, had nearly died. This was not an uncommon situation in past ages, for Rome was located in low marshy areas, which often led to widespread outbreaks of malaria. Word of his illness, however, had managed to get back to his home congregation. They were worried about him, and he was concerned about causing them undue distress. Paul’s response was immediate and clearly revealed a Christ-like love. While he could have very easily considered only his own needs and, no doubt, could have commanded Epaphroditus’ continued service in Rome and convinced the Philippians of the importance of Epaphroditus’ ongoing role in the gospel ministry there, he did not. He demonstrated a self-sacrificing concern both for this young messenger and his distant brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, the attitude of concern demonstrated not just by Paul, but also by Epaphroditus and the members of the Philippian congregation, serves as a wonderful example and encouragement for us today. God would have us be concerned and then demonstrate our concern for others. In so doing we let our lights shine and, thereby, bring glory to our Savior God! (cf. Matthew 5:16)

Literal Translation: "Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such individuals in esteem, for because of the work of Christ he came close to death, risking (his) life in order to make up your lack of service to (inability to serve) me." (Verses 29-30)

Paul encourages the Philippians both to rejoice in Epaphroditus’ return and to honor him for his work. He was one among others who had placed the kingdom work of Christ ahead of his own personal desires and welfare. Traveling in the Roman Empire, while certainly possible, was not without its dangers. Consider Paul’s own comments regarding the rigors of his life while "on the road" for the sake of the gospel (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). In addition, as they had already heard, and as Paul himself had just reported, Epaphroditus had become ill and almost died while in Rome while fulfilling his commission from them.

The literal translation "make up your lack of service to me" almost sounds as if Paul is disparaging the Philippian congregation, however, this is not the case. Paul commends the Philippians later in his epistle for their repeated generosity (cf. 4:15-19). He is simply expressing what was obvious to all involved—there was a great distance between Philippi and Rome, which prevented regular association and help by more of the congregation’s membership. Had they had an opportunity, they would have seized it, but given the distance they had sent Epaphroditus to serve on their behalf!

Discussion Topics:

1. Discuss ways by which we might demonstrate our love for fellow believers at a distance, or perhaps suffering a variety of trials. Consider, for instance, individuals in both our foreign and domestic mission fields, or those serving at our synodical school in Eau Claire.
2. The charismatic movement of our day, citing examples in the early church, places great emphasis upon "gifts" of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings. We hear little or nothing of these things within the Lutheran church. Discuss why that is the case. Discuss the role of these special "gifts" in the early church. Discuss what role the example of Epaphroditus might play in this matter.

[PDN]