Philippians 2:19-30
Dear RTB’ers,
Today we have Paul speaking about two of his fellow believers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus is new to us; he is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible except for a later mention of him in this letter. We met Timothy long ago in the book of Acts (16:1-3) when Paul was in Lystra on his second missionary journey. We also read Paul’s two letters to Timothy during our first year in Search the Scriptures, plus Paul mentions him in a number of his other epistles, mostly as his traveling companion or as a sent messenger to cities where Paul has ministered. Paul has kind, loving words for this young believer (vv. 20-22).
Both my Study Bible and an online commentary suggest that Epaphroditus was from Philippi, so mention of him and his service to Paul in this letter is fully appropriate. As with Timothy, Paul speaks highly of Epaphroditus – but he leaves me confused with the following verse, ,…for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. (v. 30) Something was “lacking” in the Philippians’ service to Paul? What’s that about?
Again, from yesterday, verses worth repeating: Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (vv. 9-11)
Blessings.
Fred