Philippians 2:19-30
It’s interesting how Paul does what he can to stay in touch with his churches even though he himself is in prison: I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. (v. 19) So Paul’s plan is to send Timothy, then have him return. Paul clearly has high regard for Timothy: For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. (v. 20) It’s so important in our Christian world that pastors have faithful parishioners who can serve in a variety of ways – the pastor himself can’t do everything!! Upon reading our St. Andrew’s Annual Report one year I counted some 30 people in leadership positions in a variety of ministries. We are well served at St. Andrew’s! Even while David is gone on Sabbatical we continue to operate, with faithful people in the pulpit and “on the ground”. One of Mark Bruner’s real problems in CZ is not having others step up into needs that arise. So sad, because Mark works so hard!
Paul does not state it clearly in today’s reading, nor did my Study Bible comment on it, but I gathered from the reading that Epaphroditus was to be the person who would hand-deliver this letter to the Philippians: I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need … So receive him in the Lord with all joy… (vv. 25, 29a). My Study Bible did comment that Philippi was Epaphroditus’ home.
Here’s an item I shared with Carol this morning that she also found interesting:
“Interestingly, Epaphroditus’s name is of pagan origin. It means “belonging to Aphrodite”—the name of the goddess is actually incorporated into the name Epaphroditus. Such is the power of the gospel that a man is set free from dead paganism to serve the living God. When Epaphroditus received the gospel, he was “belonging to Jesus,” and the idol had no more claim on him, regardless of his name. The new birth trumped the birth name.”
https://www.gotquestions.org/Epaphroditus-in-the-Bible.html
Slava Bohu!
I also thought about Epaphroditus. Apparently he took a money or other gift to Paul from Philippi but got gravely ill before he could return. (v. 29,30) Paul says he risked his life for services the Philippians could not do. Who else risks their lives for what we the local church can not do? Our missionaries, front line workers.