11. PAUL SENDS EPAPHRODITUS (PHIL 2:25-30)

11. PAUL SENDS EPAPHRODITUS (PHIL 2:25-30):

Paul writes that he had thought it necessary to send to them Epaphroditus, his brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and his messenger and minister to his need, for he has been longing for them all and has been distressed because they heard that he was ill. Epaphroditus has been associated with Paul and had been accompanying him in all his works, who used to carry the message of Paul to others and personally take care of him. Paul affirms him to be a fellow being as they had a good bond in the Lord, and the works of Epaphroditus were sincere and commendable. Epaphroditus might have been sick, and Philippians would have gotten to know about that, and so he was concerned to share that he was doing well then, for he felt that it might have been bothering them.

Paul writes that indeed Epaphroditus was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on him also, lest he should have sorrow upon sorrow. He is the more eager to send him, therefore, that he may rejoice at seeing him again, and that he may be less anxious. The sickness of Epaphroditus might have been very severe, to anticipate death, but by the abundance of grace of God, he was healed so that there was no worry on him as well as Paul, because he was very helpful in the ministry of God and the ministry to Paul.

Paul concludes to the Philippians about Epaphroditus that he is the more eager to send him, therefore that they may rejoice at seeing him again, and that he may be less anxious. So, they shall receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in their service to him. Paul is interested in sending Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they might be relieved from the worry about him and share their joy for him, and so Paul might also be less worried. Paul strongly recommends to the Philippians to accept Epaphroditus happily without any hindrance in the Lord, and he not only stops there but extends that they shall accept other men like him. Epaphroditus was selfless with wholeness and sincerity of heart, served for the Gospel of Christ by being ready to even die for it, which was one of the things that the church of Philippians needed to follow.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      How does Paul introduce Epaphroditus?

2.      Why did Paul send Epaphroditus?

3.      How was Epaphroditus a fellow worker and fellow soldier?

4.      Why was Epaphroditus distressed?

5.      How ill was Epaphroditus, and how was he healed?

6.      Why was Paul eager to send Epaphroditus?

7.      How does Paul recommend receiving Epaphroditus?

8.      Why does Paul say to honor Epaphroditus and men like that?

9.      What was lacking in the service of Philippians?

10.  What are the good characteristics of Epaphroditus that we can follow?

How shall we partake in the work of Christ with completeness?

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