Model Servants

The striking note about the loyal companionship of Timothy is highlighted in the next verse: “Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me” (2:23). Paul couldn’t dispatch Timothy immediately. Perhaps he needed his help in a legal or pastoral matter; we don’t know. But we do know that Paul treasured Timothy’s companionship. Timothy was a true friend who helped sustain the apostle during this time. What made Timothy a great friend? The best friends are those who serve and care for you like Christ would serve and care for you. Do you have friends like that? I hope you do. Are you a friend like that? I hope you are. Care for others as Christ would care for them. That means being present, speaking the truth, strengthening them in weakness, praying for them, and providing support and resources when needed.

So Paul is sending Timothy, his spiritual son, his companion, his fellow servant in the gospel. He was an extension of Paul to minister to the Philippians. In sending Timothy to the church, Paul is also displaying selfless service. He is sending his beloved companion for the good of others. Paul, too, is an example of selfless service that we should emulate.

The Example of Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:25-30

Paul isn’t sending Timothy immediately, but he is sending Epaphroditus. (He shouldn’t be confused with Epaphras; cf. Col 4:12.) The name “Epaphroditus,” which was common in the era, is derived from “Aphrodite” (the Greek mythical goddess). His family may have worshiped this goddess, and he was likely a Gentile convert (O’Brien, Epistle, 329). What happens when Jesus transforms an idol worshiper? We read about it here.

According to chapter 4, Epaphroditus brought Paul financial help from the church in Philippi. The church probably expected Epaphroditus to stay and minister to Paul, but Paul tells them that he’s sending him back because Epaphroditus had fallen ill. We don’t know what this illness was; perhaps it was a terrible fever or the flu. Whatever it was, he almost died. The events may have happened like this: He got sick en route, not after his arrival in Rome. Since Epaphroditus was carrying money, he probably didn’t travel alone (cf. 2 Cor 8:16-22). One of the companions may have returned to the Philippian church with the alarming news, or someone traveling in the opposite direction could have reported the situation to the church (Witherington, Friendship and Finances, 80). Then one of his companions may have nursed him along as they journeyed to deliver the gift (see Hughes, Philippians, 113–14).

Paul wanted the church to welcome and honor Epaphroditus. Kent Hughes claims he was a layman, not an official leader in the church (Philippians, 115). Indeed, no position is mentioned here or in chapter 4. It’s certainly true that you don’t have to have a position to be useful or worthy of honor. Paul also sent him back because he didn’t want the additional stress of keeping him in Rome.

Why the emphasis on honor? This emphasis is probably due to the fact that this was a culture based more on honor and shame than our American culture is. Think about it. The church sends their representative to the famous apostle. When he arrives, he has been sick, he almost dies, and he has to go home sooner rather than later. The church might think of him as an embarrassment. “We should have sent someone else!” they may have said. But Paul covers for him and says Epaphroditus deserves a hero’s welcome.

Paul mentions five descriptions for Epaphroditus that underscore his character and partnership. The first three descriptions relate to his relationship with Paul and the next two his relationship to the Philippians. Then he mentions the compassion of Epaphroditus, his experience of God’s restoring mercy, and the type of welcome he deserves when he returns to the church.

The Type of Man He Was (2:25)

Brother. This first description reminds us how we become partners in the gospel. Through Christ, we have been adopted by the Father. And when you become a Christian, not only do you have a new relationship with God, but you also get a new relationship with other believers. You are now brothers and sisters. The term brother may not mean much to you if you grew up in a church where you heard it regularly. Christians often use the term because they can’t remember each other’s names! But it’s a miracle that we’re brothers and sisters. Our identity has changed; God is our Father, and we are adopted family members. In calling him “brother” Paul is also highlighting his affection for Epaphroditus, not just this identity change. When you go through hard times with Christian brothers or sisters at your side, you form a deep relationship with them. Such was the case here. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ!

Coworker. Paul also labored in the same mission as Epaphroditus. Though Paul was more up front, in a position of leadership, he recognized that they were equals. Paul didn’t assume some position of superiority. They worked together for the cause of Christ. Epaphroditus, you could say, nearly “worked himself to death.”

Fellow soldier. Paul changes the image to one of his favorite pictures of the Christian life. He goes to the battlefield and calls him a “fellow soldier” (cf. 2 Tim 2:3-4). He and Epaphroditus had been through a spiritual war together (cf. Eph 6:10-20). As in the case of the term coworker, Paul sees himself as an equal, on the same mission together. As is the case with many good soldiers, Epaphroditus had been wounded, and he was being sent home to rest (Hughes, Philippians, 115).

Messenger and minister. Moving from their relationship with each other, Paul mentions the relationship between Epaphroditus and the Philippians. With two words he explains what Epaphroditus was called to do. He was their “messenger” (apostolon). Like the apostle Paul, he was “sent” with a mission to convey the love of the church and to give a gift to Paul. And he was also their “minister” (leitourgon), a word that carries the idea of priestly service in the Greek version of the Old Testament. This term doesn’t refer to a position, but to a particular function. All believers are God’s priests, and all believers are called to worship God through sacrificial service (Rom 12:1-2). Epaphroditus worshiped God by serving Paul and others. While it’s good to discuss various aspects of corporate worship, we shouldn’t limit our discussion of worship to merely what happens on Sunday. We need worshipers like Epaphroditus.

Wouldn’t these five terms be wonderful on a tombstone? Wouldn’t you like to be known as a brother, coworker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister? What would people say should go on your tombstone? Emulate Epaphroditus.

The Type of Love He Displayed (2:26)

Paul notes Epaphroditus’s compassionate sensitivity in the next phrase: “since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick” (emphasis added). This verse is remarkable because Ephaphroditus is the one who is sick, yet we don’t read of any self-pity—rather, quite the opposite! He’s not concerned about himself; he’s concerned about the anxiety of the Philippians! I must admit that this is a challenging example. When you get sick, do you turn inward? Do you want to call your mom and have her make chicken soup? Well, Epaphroditus’s sickness was much worse than the common flu. Yet he “consider[s] others as more important” even in his sickness (2:3).

The Greek word for “distressed” is used elsewhere only in the garden of Gethsemane passage, describing the great anguish of our Lord prior to His death (Matt 26:37; Mark 14:33). Even with death at his doorstep, Epaphroditus, like Jesus, is concerned about others more than himself. Jesus was obedient to death (Phil 2:8); Epaphroditus was obedient to the point of death (2:27), yet another way Epaphroditus points us to Jesus.

Perhaps someone has asked you, “As a Christian, what’s different about your life compared to mine?” You could stop and teach them theology. But you could also say, “Come watch me live for a month, and you can tell me. See if there’s anything different.” In Philippians 2:5-11 we see the theology of a Christian, but in 2:19-30 we see the type of lifestyle that should mark a genuine Christian. Would someone see Epaphroditus’s type of love in you if they watched your life for a month? To live this type of life, we need help (2 Cor 12:7-10). That’s exactly what Epaphroditus received.

The Type of Help He Needed (2:27)

Just how sick was he? Paul says that he was so sick that he “nearly died.” Three times Paul mentions his severe condition (vv. 26,27,30). How did Paul’s fellow soldier survive? We don’t have all of the details, but we do know this: “God had mercy on him.” Did medicine help to cure him? Was he restored as a result of prayer? Did he experience a divine miracle apart from medicine? Was it a combination of all of these? We don’t know. The significant thing to Paul was that his recovery was due to the sovereign act of a merciful God (O’Brien, Epistle, 337). Epaphroditus needed God’s mercy in his weakness.

Paul adds that he, too, had experienced the mercy of God. If Epaphroditus had died, Paul would have had “one grief on top of another.” Paul knows that “dying is gain” (1:21), but this doesn’t mean he wouldn’t mourn over his brother. Our world is filled with grief, but the believer can say with Paul, we are “grieving yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor 6:10). Paul would have wept over Epaphroditus; he wasn’t an emotionless leader. This passage shows how much Paul loves people, and when you love people, you grieve over their absence. But we don’t grieve as those without hope (1 Thess 4:13).

Does this little phrase, “However, God had mercy on him,” move you? His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22), and we need new mercies every morning! We experience God’s mercy in manifold ways. In His mercy He has covered our sin, and in His mercy He heals our bodies (Ps 103:1-5). Believers rejoice in the saving mercy of God, who has raised us up spiritually (“But God, who is rich in mercy”; Eph 2:4). We experience traveling mercies regularly. David said it well: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps 23:6 ESV). God had been good to Paul, to Epaphroditus, and to the church in Philippi. And He’s been good to us. May God fill your heart with gratitude for His bountiful mercies, and may your heart not be filled with entitlement. We don’t deserve blessings.

The Type of Welcome He Deserved (2:28-30)

Paul says that he’s eager to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians so that everyone may experience peace. Paul wouldn’t have to worry about him. The church would know that he was okay, and Epaphroditus wouldn’t have to worry about the Philippians worrying! On arrival, Paul says there should be not only joy, love, and peace but also honor. Paul commands the church to welcome their messenger because he made a huge sacrifice. Paul says of him that he was “risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me” (v. 30). What was lacking was the Philippians’ presence. Epaphroditus represented them in their absence. In so doing, he almost died. He deserves to be welcomed as Christ will welcome those who faithfully labor in service to others (Matt 25:14-46).

This command to honor Epaphroditus is so refreshing. In Paul’s day, and in our day, it’s usually the famous, the talented, and the powerful who are praised. But here’s a simple messenger who took a gift to Paul in humble service and sacrifice, and Paul says to honor him. Similar language is found in 1 Corinthians, where Paul commends Stephanas and his family.

Brothers, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. I am pleased to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. (1 Cor 16:15-18; emphasis added)

This sounds a lot like Epaphroditus, doesn’t it? O’Brien notes, “Paul’s teaching in both passages is consistent with that of Jesus, who said that the greatest honor among his followers belongs to the one who renders the lowliest service (Mk 10:42-45; Lk 22:24-27; cf. Jn 13:13-15)” (Epistle, 341).

I (Tony) am a Kentucky basketball fan. In 2014 we made it to the championship game only to lose to Connecticut. Almost 80,000 people showed up to watch that game. When Kentucky returned from the airport during their wins throughout the tournament, they were extolled by fans. Even after defeat, people welcomed them and honored their team. I don’t have a problem with fans honoring players. Unfortunately, we fail to recognize the type of greatness exemplified in Ephaphroditus. We underappreciate faithful service to Jesus. Who’s greater, the person who serves the least of these, or the person who wins a championship? Sports are wonderful gifts, but games are games. There are much more important battles to engage. When you see someone serving Christ faithfully, you should encourage them and thank them. Don’t deify them, but honor them. Paul says this person is worthy of an appreciative and thoughtful welcome.

The Christian life should be filled with honoring one another (Rom 12:10; Eph 6:2; 1 Tim 5:3,17; 6:1; Heb 13:4; 1 Pet 2:17). Ultimate honor goes to Jesus, but under that honor we should have deep appreciation for the hard work of those who build up Christ’s church. Let’s step back and gather a few profitable points of application from the life of Epaphroditus.

Serving Jesus and others will cost you, but it’s worth it! The call to put the needs of others above your own will mean that you might have to change your schedule this week. You might have to travel somewhere. You might get sick along your journey and have to minister in weakness. You might have to open your home or your wallet. You might encounter great conflict or persecution. If we’re going to follow after these model servants, who are following Jesus’ example, then we must acknowledge that the Christian life involves sacrifice—varying degrees of sacrifice. But it’s worth it because we get to bless others and because it glorifies Jesus, who notices every small act of obedience and will reward it (see Matt 25:14-46; Luke 14:12-14).

Deep relationships are formed when you are on mission with other brothers and sisters. We’re made for relationships—not superficial relationships based on fleeting affinities but for something much deeper, namely, gospel partnerships. We have pointed out already that the “partnership of the gospel” (Phil 1:5) involves more than potluck dinners. It involves a common mission of advancing the gospel. These two servants were coworkers with Paul, and as a result they shared a deep relationship that few experience. Let’s remember this. Deep and abiding community is formed in the church as we serve together, not just when we sit together once a week in a Bible study or a worship event (as important as these are!).

The church has always been sustained, enriched, and built up by unsung heroes. Consider Romans 16. This particular postscript includes a list of unsung heroes. These postscripts, including the one in 1 Corinthians 16, demonstrate that Paul didn’t just love books, theology, and ministry. He also loved people. When Paul talks about unsung heroes in the church, he does so with honoring and familial language, as he does with Timothy and Epaphroditus. I have highlighted a few of the ways that Paul honors them:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also. Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. (Rom 16:1-16; emphasis added)

Those are some beautiful words—“brother,” “mother,” “sister,” “coworker,” “servant,” those who “worked very hard.” Let me ask you, based on all of these names, did the apostles do all the work in the church? No. Were they the only people worthy of honor? No. The church was filled with missionaries, with fellow servants of Jesus, who were laboring in their own ways to build up the church and reach out in mission. So don’t get the impression that you don’t have an important role to play in your church. You do! The church has been blessed throughout the centuries by unsung heroes like these.

In Humility Consider Others as More Important Than Yourselves

Timothy and Epaphroditus (and Paul!) give us living examples in the book of Philippians, particularly in 2:3-4. To summarize, let me repeat Paul’s exhortation: “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” All three men show us what happens when the gospel really transforms us from the inside out: we begin to live like Jesus (2:5-11).

What about you? Is this the nature of your Christian life, a life of considering the needs of others above your own? The only way that happens is by trusting in Christ, who emptied Himself on behalf of sinful people like us, and by pursuing through the Spirit this attitude and these types of actions, which include everyday acts of love, little by little, over the long haul. Go spend some quarters today for the good of others and the glory of Jesus in the ordinariness of life.

Reflect and Discuss