Knowing The Word in Philippians 2:19-30, Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [Timothy serves as a model of the humility to which Paul calls his readers, and an image of Christ’s own humility.] 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. [Timothy is Paul’s son in the faith.] 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus [most likely the bearer of this letter] my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. [What more could Paul ask of a fellow worker? It is important for all Christians to have close friends in the faith because ministry is hard emotionally and sometimes physically. Having Christian sisters and brothers as Paul does around the Mediterranean world, helps us get our eyes off of only what is happening locally and helps us see the larger, ever-spreading kingdom of God. That does not mean we ignore local ministry issues and opportunities, but that we are better informed of God’s hand in the lives of many Christians.]

Prayer

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.