READ: Phil. 2:25-30: Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Alongside Timothy, Epaphroditus also receives high praise from Paul as a co-worker. He, too, has demonstrated his deep love for Christ and His church. The Philippians had sent him to Paul to provide for his needs and to serve as a messenger to other congregations.
Like Timothy, Epaphroditus was not driven by self-interest (v. 21). He endured great hardships and struggles, even falling seriously ill to the point of death. His healing spared Paul from even greater sorrow. This was an act of God’s mercy, not only toward Epaphroditus but also indirectly toward Paul.
Since neither Paul nor Timothy could immediately go to Philippi, Paul decided to send Epaphroditus instead. This shows Paul’s selflessness, as Epaphroditus had been serving him on behalf of the Philippians. But Paul saw it as necessary, emphasizing that this brother was also longing to return to the Philippians.
He urges them to receive him with great joy and to honor him for his dedicated service, which brought him close to death. His work was for Christ, without any self-interest!
How do you resist the tendency toward self-interest?
Sing: Ps. 63:3