Philippians 2:2525And I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27For he was sick nearly to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, in order that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore, eagerly I sent him, so that when you see him, you may rejoice again and I may be free from worry. 29Therefore, receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life in order that he might complete what was lacking in your service to me.
The Philippians had sent a man in their church named Epaphroditus to help Paul with his needs while in prison. Paul points out the deep relationship the two had. He gives five descriptions of Epaphroditus in verse 25. My brother shows the close bond of fellow believers who have been adopted into God’s family. The bond between Christians can be closer than blood family. Fellow worker indicates that they have “worked together” in the same mission. Fellow soldier gives a similar idea but more of the necessary fight against evil. These last two terms show how Paul and Epaphroditus work together for the same outcome. The last two descriptions show how Epaphroditus has been the link between Paul and the Philippians. He has served as your messenger. The word used here (apostolon) means “the one who is sent” and is also translated as “apostle.” An apostle represents the sender, usually bring some type of message. Minister to my need indicates how the care Epaphroditus gave was ministry and not just causal help. The same word used here (leitourgon) was used for the service of priests in the temple.
On his way to Rome (assuming this was from where Paul was writing), Epaphroditus got deathly sick and almost died. Life was harsh back then and life expectancy was only 35 years old. Many people did not live to old age because of diseases, wars, and overall health conditions. It would have been a great sorrow for Paul and the Philippians if Epaphroditus had died. His recovery was due to God’s mercy on him. God’s mercy extended beyond the physical healing of Epaphroditus and touched the mental well-being of Paul so that he would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Thankfully, Epaphroditus recovered and was able to help Paul in prison. Now Paul wanted to send him back home to Philippi.
Epaphroditus also had a deep relationship with the Philippian church and wanted to be back with them. He longed to be with them and was distressed over his concern for them. Being together again would bring joy and gladness. Just like Epaphroditus represented the Philippians to Paul, he could also present Paul to the Philippians. He was the key link of communication and care. Paul was planning on sending him back and wanted the Philippians to receive him with joy and honor. He did a job well done. This took commitment and sacrifice on his part, but he was faithful almost to the point of losing his life. He did what the Philippians could not do themselves by providing assistance and encouragement to Paul. He was a tremendous role model of faithfulness, commitment to the task, and faith in the midst of difficulty. He was a role model to the Philippians of the type of endurance Paul has urged in this letter.
This passage reminds us that relationships matter a lot.Our spiritual growth is dependent on a large part by our relationship with other believers. Also, the routines of life reveal a lot about us. This passage seems mundane in comparison to other more theological parts of this letter. It is simple, everyday type of personal communication. In today’s terms, we might compare it to a text message or short email. But it shows the dynamic fellowship early Christians had that could stretch across time and distance. What we do in the everyday routines of life makes a big difference. We do not have to be a super saint but look to Jesus who is our highest role model.
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