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Summer 2020 COB StudyLetter to the Philippians

Timothy and EpaphroditusPhilippians 2:19-30

Week 4

OPENING PRAYER

Gracious Lord, your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We need that light, not just in our time together today, but in our daily living and in the life of our hurting world. May your Holy Spirit soften our hearts that we might be open to the new thingsyou have to say to us and the hard things you may want to reveal to us. Help us to be gracious with ourselves and one another, leaning on Jesus, who emptied himself and took theform of a servant to save us that we might grow into more faithful followers of you in Christ we pray. Amen. Check-in question

As we hit the halfway point in Philippians and have talked about the themes of congregational unity, gospel humility and hope for eternity. This section about Timothy and Epaphroditus helps us think about people we should imitate. Have you ever known someone who exemplified sincere and genuine concern for you? What was that person like? How did their concern and care impact you?

STUDY GUIDE

Personal updates and practical matters are no small part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In many ways, the letter begins (Phil. 1:12–18) and ends (Phil. 4:1–19) on these notes. His update on Timothyand Epaphroditus in the middle (Phil. 2:19–30) is the longest of these sections. Having called the Philippian church to unity with Christlike selflessness, servanthood, and sacrifice (Phil. 1:27–2:11), and having commanded them to work out their salvation (Phil. 2:12–18), Paul now gives necessary updates on two model servants who exemplify the very ideals he has encouraged in Philippians 1:27–2:18.

Read Philippians 2:19-30

*This is a translation by N.T. Wright from his book, “Philippians for Everyone”

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I in turn may be encouraged by getting news about you. I have nobody else of his quality: he will care quite genuinely about how you are. Everybody else, you see, looks after their own interests, not those of Jesus the Messiah.

2 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a child with a father he has worked as a slave alongside me for the sake of the gospel. So I'm hoping to send him just as soon as I see how it will turn out with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come very soon as well.

But I did think it was necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother; he has worked alongside me and fought alongside me; and he's served as your agent in tending to my needs. He was longing for you all, you see, and he was upset because you heard that he was sick. And he really was sick, too; he nearly died. But God took pity on him yes, and on me too, so that I wouldn't have one sorrow piled on top of another.

This has made me all the more eager to send him, so that you'll see him again and be glad, and my own anxieties will be laid to rest. So give him a wonderfully happy welcome in the Lord, and hold people like him in special respect. He came close to death through risking his life for the King's work, so that he could complete the service to me that you hadn't been able to perform.

The Example of Timothy (2:19-24)1

In verse 19, Paul tells the church that he’s not sending Timothy right away. Maybe the church was expecting him to come soon. Timothy might be waiting until planned Paul's trial is concluded (23). If the verdict is favorable, then Paul plans on coming shortly after Timothy gets deployed (24). Notice that Paul is not certain about everything, and recognizes that he is subject to God's will, as indicated by the phrase, "I hope in the Lord Jesus" (19a, cf., 24). In his travels, he knows that Jesus is Lord over all things.

In between this itinerary, you will notice a heart-felt commendation of Timothy. Now I hope in the Lord Jesus a to send Timothy to you soon so that I also may be encouraged when I hear news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a sonwith a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. I am convinced in the Lord that I myself will also come quickly.(2:19-24)

Consider two aspects of Timothy's example: (1) his compassion, and (2) his companionship.

Timothy's Compassion (20-21)

Paul says that has "no one else like-minded" as Timothy (20a). Of course, Paul knows other believersin Rome, but no one is quite like Timothy in attitude, character, and closeness to the apostle. Apparently, Luke or Aristarchus are no longer with him in Rome (cf., Col. 4:10, 14; Phm. 24). What makes Timothy special among those present? Paul says that Timothy genuinely cares about others

1 � https://idcraleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Phil-2-19-30.pdf

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(20b). Timothy is truly concerned for the well-being of others. He is a compassionate servant, who loves the church.

Like Paul, Timothy has a concern for the health of churches (2 Cor 11:28). Paul says that many others seek "their own interests" (21). Already in chapters 1 and 2, Paul mentioned that some in Rome served out of envy and rivalry (1:15, 17; cf., 2:3). But Timothy is in the group that served Christ out of goodwill and love (1:15-16). Notice the shift from verse 20 to verse 21. In verse 20, Paul says that Timothy is concerned for "your interests," and in verse 21, he says that he seeks after the interests "of Christ." Serving Christ involves serving others in the church. Serving Christ's church flows from our love for others and Jesus's glory, not our own selfish agendas.

By highlighting the warm, selfless, Christ-centered character of Timothy, Paul might also be preparingthe congregation to listen to his son in the faith. Remember there are tensions in Philippi. Paul informs the church that Timothy is the type of guy that they can trust and listen to, in order to resolve the matter. They can be assured that Timothy won't serve with self-centered motives, but will serve the interests of Christ, who longs for unity in His church (21). Timothy's arrival will be worth the wait. Let us pursue the same type of compassion that flows from a heart enthralled by Jesus. Don't serve for the admiration of others, but for the adoration of Christ. Serve out of compassion for people, not tomake a name for yourself. Let us humbly seek the good of others, in light of how Jesus has poured out His life for us.

Timothy's Companionship (22-24)

Next, Paul says, "But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father." Paul loves Timothy as a spiritual son (cf., 1 Cor 4:17; 2 Tim 1:2; 2 His words about Timothy highlights the familial nature of the church. Timothy wasn't merely a volunteer in an organization. He is Paul's son in the faith. Paul mentions that Timothy had "proven hischaracter" to others (22). He was devoted to Christ's cause and Christ's church. Together, Paul and Timothy they were "servants of Christ Jesus" (1:1). They had been through the fire of testing and trial,advancing of the Gospel in the midst of hardship. (cf. Acts 16:1, 3; 17:14)

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" (23). Paul couldn't dispatch Timothy immediately. Perhaps he needed his help in a legal or pastoral matter. We don't know. What is clear is that Paul treasured Timothy's companionship. Timothy was a true friend that helped sustainthe apostle during this time.

The Example of Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

Paul isn't sending Timothy immediately, but he is sending Epaphroditus. The name "Epaphroditus" isderived from "Aphrodite" (the Greek mythical goddess), which was common in the era. His family mayhave worshiped this goddess, and he was likely a Gentile convert. What happens when Jesus transforms an idol worshiper? We read about it here. Paul says:

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus —my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need — since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearlydied. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one grief on top of another. For this reason, I

4am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice when you see him again and I may be less anxious. Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy and hold men like him in honor, because he came close to death forthe work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me. (2:25-30)

According to chapter 4, Epaphroditus brought Paul financial help from the church. 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 probably got sick while in 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. Then, one of his companions may have nursed him along as they journeyed to deliver the gift. Paul wanted the church to welcome and honor Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus was a "layman" not an official leader in the church. Indeed, no position is mentioned neither here nor in chapter 4. It's certainly true that you don't have to have a position to be useful or worthy of honor.

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 gets sick and almost dies, and has to go home sooner rather than later. The church might think of him as an embarrassment. "We should havesent someone else!" they may have thought. But Paul covers for him, and says he deserves a hero's welcome.

Discussion Questions

1. Who has come alongside you to teach you? What potential leader in your church needs someone to come alongside them? Do you have a person or two that you are mentoring "as a son with a father" or "a daughter with a mother"?

2. What does the word “worker” convey about the life of a believer (v.25)? How about soldier?3. How was Timothy said to be an example of the mind of Christ? (Phil. 2:4)4. How was Epaphroditus an example of the heart of Christ? 5. Who else throughout Scripture has sacrificed comfort and safety for the sake of God’s glory

and His redemptive mission for the world?6. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief

problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

Further Reading/Resources2

SEEING CHRIST IN OTHERS. While this section of the letter has its own purposes of updating the Philippians on practical matters, Timothy and Epaphroditus also serve as real-life examples of the Christlike attitude and actions that Paul calls the Philippians to in Philippians 2:1–8. Timothy exemplifies concern and selflessness (Phil. 2:20–21). Both Timothy and Epaphroditus have “served” Paul in his need (Phil. 2:22, 25). Epaphroditus is concerned for the Philippians; even selflessly

2 � Philippians: A 12-Week Study © 2014 by Ryan Kelly. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-bible-philippians/#week-1-overview

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concerned for their concern for him (Phil. 2:26). A supreme mark of Christlikeness, he was willing to lay down his life for the Philippians, for Paul, and for the gospel mission (Phil. 2:30). Paul never explicitly says that the Philippians should follow the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus—he doesn’t need to; it is clearly implied. While Christ is the perfect example (and the only saving sacrifice), God is good to give us imperfect but important examples of Christlikeness to watch and imitate. Paul will make this point more explicitly later in this letter (Phil. 3:17; 4:9).

THE MISSION. With all of the updates and personal commendations of Philippians 2:19–30, it might be easy to forget the most basic point behind all these comings and goings: the mission. That’s why Paul is imprisoned and awaiting trial. That’s why the Philippians sent support to Paul through Epaphroditus. It was the “work of Christ” for which he was “risking his life” (Phil. 2:30). For the sake ofthe mission, too, Timothy must stay with Paul for the time being (likely for Paul’s defense); but he will return to Philippi as soon as possible to check up on the church (Phil. 2:19). His concern for their welfare is part of seeking the “interests . . . of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 2:21). Sacrifice. Concern. Going. Serving. Risking. All for the sake of Christ and his mission. We shouldn’t read Philippians 2:2:19–30 without remembering the gospel-priority in which Paul exulted in Philippians 2:1:12–18. And we shouldn’t read Philippians 2:19–30 without remembering themes like the hope of global praise in Psalm 117, or the great commission in Matthew 28:18–20.

CARING FOR THE BODY. The Philippians’ care and concern for Paul, and Timothy and Epaphroditus’s care and concern for the Philippian believers, might bring to mind what Paul elsewhere writes about the nature of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12, for instance, he explains that thechurch is like a human body: one entity, but different parts doing different things for the common good. Some parts are small and some functions seem insignificant, but whether large or small, visibleor hidden, all parts are needed (see 1 Cor. 12:18–23). That is why “God has so composed the body” with “no division” in it—so that “the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Cor. 12:24–26). This picture is exemplified in the communion of mutual care shown in Philippians 2:18–30.

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY. Twice when speaking of his plans, Paul uses the phrase “in the Lord.” He hopes “in the Lord” to soon send Timothy to Philippi (Phil. 2:19); he trusts “in the Lord” that he will eventually come as well (Phil. 2:24). Is Paul just tacking on superfluous spiritual language here? Far from it! Paul is echoing what James taught regarding the sin of making plans without acknowledging that God’s sovereignty alone is decisive (James 4:13–16). James insists, “you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (Phil. 2:15). With different language, Paul is modeling this very thing. His plans are “in the Lord”—in his hands, up to him, subject to him. As Proverbs teaches, “man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Phil. 16:9). Epaphroditus knew this as well; he was “near to death” but “God had mercy on him” (Phil. 2:27). Our travel plans, our living and dying,and everything else, fall under God’s providence (see Acts 17:25–28). This reality not only needs to be believed and gladly embraced by Christians, but it also needs to be regularly verbalized, as both Paul and James show us.

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