Example of Epaphroditus: Philippians 2:25-30
“25) But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26) because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27) For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28) Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29) Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30) because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” Philippians 2:25-30
Epaphroditus now becomes Paul’s third example of selfless living and godly service. He had originally been sent from the church at Philippi to minister to Paul. In the process, he became sick and close to death, but risked his own life to fulfill his mission.
Paul regarded him as a fellow worker and fellow soldier. We have no idea what his sickness was, but he came close to death for the cause of Christ. But God had mercy on him and spared his life.
Was he leaked or did he naturally recover? The text does not say, but Paul credits God for sparing his life.
Notice the word “joy” emerges in verse 29 again, Paul joyously sent him back from his imprisonment in Rome to Philippi. Paul went without for the sake of others.
Are you starting to notice the depth of love, devotion and consideration the early believers had toward on another? The Holy Spirit created a deep bond between them.
The message of the gospel translated into exercising agape love toward on another. It became the tangible validation of their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“25) But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26) because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27) For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28) Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29) Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30) because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” Philippians 2:25-30
Epaphroditus now becomes Paul’s third example of selfless living and godly service. He had originally been sent from the church at Philippi to minister to Paul. In the process, he became sick and close to death, but risked his own life to fulfill his mission.
Paul regarded him as a fellow worker and fellow soldier. We have no idea what his sickness was, but he came close to death for the cause of Christ. But God had mercy on him and spared his life.
Was he leaked or did he naturally recover? The text does not say, but Paul credits God for sparing his life.
Notice the word “joy” emerges in verse 29 again, Paul joyously sent him back from his imprisonment in Rome to Philippi. Paul went without for the sake of others.
Are you starting to notice the depth of love, devotion and consideration the early believers had toward on another? The Holy Spirit created a deep bond between them.
The message of the gospel translated into exercising agape love toward on another. It became the tangible validation of their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
