Philippians 2:19-30

Two Humble Servants

Following Warren Wiersbe (Be Joyful), I believe that Philippians 2 is primarily a chapter on humility. The importance of this character quality is set out in verses 1-4, followed by the ultimate example of humility, Christ (5-11). After Paul discusses his own humble service (12-18), he then gives two more examples of humble servants – Timothy (19-24) and Epaphroditus (25-30).

Timothy (19-24)
Paul’s desire is to send Timothy to Philippi to visit the church. This is the main independent clause of verse 19 and the main idea of this paragraph. In fact it is repeated again in verse 23. The reason Paul wants to send Timothy back to Philippi is so that he will be encouraged. How will Timothy leaving Paul’s side and going to Philippi be an encouragement? Certainly Timothy is serving as a comfort to Paul while he is in prison. But Paul would rather Timothy went to Philippi and reported back to him about the condition of the church in Philippi. When he reports back, that will encourage Paul. While Paul may prefer the personal company of Timothy right now, for the good of knowing about the church, he is willing to part with Timothy and receive his encouragement by hearing of the Philippians church’s condition.

Paul explains in verses 20-22 why he specifically wants Timothy to be the person to come and visit them. Timothy will be genuinely concerned for the Philippians welfare (20). This is in contrast to others who seek after their own interests rather than those interests of Christ Jesus (21). Notice that Paul expresses his sincere affection for Timothy by describing him as a kindred spirit. Then in verse 22, Paul explains that this special bond is because Timothy had proven his worth in the promotion of the Gospel (and to Paul personally). The attitude and heart that Timothy served with is described as "a child serving his father." This may not necessarily conjure up a picture of servanthood to you. But that is precisely why it is servanthood. Often, a father, the authority in the father-son relationship, gives orders to a son. And apparently Timothy willingly took the orders, obeyed them, and served joyfully. There was no going against the authority or even (natural) rebelliousness. It has been said that you know you are a servant by your response when you are treated like a servant. Do this. Do that. Go here. Go there. And Timothy exhibited a humble servant’s heart by simply obeying.

Again Paul repeats his desire that Timothy be sent to them immediately (23) and Paul also would like to visit them as soon as possible (24).

Applications

	Are you more interested in your personal comfort than the good of the church?
	Are you the kind of person that is genuinely interested in the welfare of others? It can be easy to appear like you are listening; appear like you care.
	Do you have a real servant’s heart? How do you react when someone treats you like a slave? Is it with an attitude of "Hey, don’t order me around" or "Okay. I’ll do that." [not suggesting blind obedience]

Epaphroditus (25-30)

While Paul wants to send Timothy to them, he also wants to return Epaphroditus to them. He gives five descriptions of Epaphroditus, indicating his deep respect and affection for him.

	Brother
	Fellow worker
	Fellow soldier
	Your messenger
	Minister to my need

There are two reasons Paul wanted to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians. First, Epaphroditus was longing to see them all again. Secondly, Epaphroditus wanted to see them again because he had heard that they were distressed (worried) when they heard he had been sick. By returning, he would allay their fears for his health. Paul reiterates that indeed he was sick. In fact, he was very sick, near death’s door (27). But the good news for the Philippians is that God had mercy and restored his health. Paul could have stopped here, but he doesn’t. Instead he points out that not only was God merciful to Epaphroditus, but also to Paul in that Paul did not have to experience the deep sorrow of a death of a friend at this point. Paul, who writes often about the glorious hope of heaven and the encouragement the believer has knowing a loved one in heaven, still recognizes that when a friend or loved one dies, it is still very painful.

"Therefore" (28) points to the longing the Philippians had to see Epaphroditus. Since they desire to see him Paul is "all the more eager" to send him to them again. The result of Epaphroditus being returned will be twofold. First, they will rejoice. They will be so glad that he is home safe and sound. Secondly, Paul will be less concerned about the Philippians. When they were fretting (about Epaphroditus), it has caused Paul to be concerned for them. This is an illustration of "weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice."

Paul has two final exhortations for the Philippians (29). First, receive him as a brother in Christ (in the Lord) with joy. You get the idea that he won’t just show up at the house church Sunday morning and get a "Hi, nice to have you back." There will be a joyful reunion and celebration among all the believers that he is home. The second exhortation is to esteem men like Epaphroditus highly. Why? They are to be regarded highly because they risked their life for the work of Christ (30).

Applications

	How do you welcome back missionaries? With a cordial acknowledgement on Sunday morning of their return or with a party? Do you really show that you are joyful for God bringing them back to you as your representative to a people group/mission field?
	It’s okay for Christians to miss those who are far away from them.
	It’s okay for Christians to cry and deeply miss those who die.
	Final Application – Write a note of appreciation/letter to someone who you is a humble servant.