Philippians 2 — Letter by Epaphroditus
Introduction: Paul wrote to the Philippians about one of their faithful members who was with him in Rome. Epaphroditus had taken support from Philippi to Paul, and then he became very ill while he was there. When he had recovered, Paul sent him back to Philippi with this letter to the church. In this chapter, Paul began to outline some guidance for harmony in the church, and for a clear witness before non-believers, of their faith in Christ.
NOTE: All scripture passages are from the World English Bible.
A — Love One Another and Be of One Accord
Philippians 2 “1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.”
Comments: In chapter 1 Paul had reminded the believers about the treasure of Christ they have in their hearts by the grace of God. Therefore, Paul earnestly encouraged them to be like-minded, having the love of Christ in harmony with each other so he would have joy about them. Each believer should be changed through the strong encouragement and comfort of love in Christ, demonstrating their fellowship of the Spirit, and tender mercies and compassion for each other. Christians should not do anything through rivalry or conceit, but in humility each should count others better than themselves. Paul had written similarly to the believers at Rome in Romans 12:10–16, urging them to be tenderly affectionate, to prefer one another in honour, and to be of the same mind.
B — Humble Yourself as Christ Became Humble
Philippians 2 “5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father… 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.”
Comments: Paul wanted the believers to apply to themselves the fact that Christ Jesus existed in the form of God, but was willing to let go of his equality with God when he emptied himself and took the form of a servant made in the likeness of men. While in human form, he humbled himself so much as to become obedient to death, even the shameful and extreme suffering of death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, as the Philippians had shown obedience to the Word while Paul was with them, they should now more so work to the fulfillment of their salvation in fear and trembling — not to be frightened as if threatened by evil, but realizing it is God who works in each Christian both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
C — Hold Up the Word of Life
Philippians 2 “14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labour in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.”
Comments: It is essential to avoid disputes and murmurs of complaint while doing things together to be without blame or harm as children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Christians should seek to stand out as lights in their society, holding up the word of life that shines from Christ. Paul wanted to know that the labor he had invested in the growth of their faith would remain until the day of Christ. And if his life should be poured out to his death through his service to build their faith, he would rejoice with all of them for their stand in Christ.
D — Paul Planned to Send Timothy at Some Time Soon
Philippians 2 “19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing. 20 For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know the proof of him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself also will come shortly.”
Comments: Paul had hope that Christ would soon afterward allow him to send Timothy to visit the Philippians, who would make a report back that would be uplifting news. Paul wrote that Timothy was very much like-minded with him, and he would truly care about the Philippians. So many others seek their own interests, not the things of Jesus Christ. But they personally knew Timothy was not that way, for he served with Paul in the furtherance of the gospel as a child lovingly serves a father. There is no record in scripture of Paul having a return visit to Philippi, but he had already written that whether he lived or died he wanted to be faithful to the Lord.
E — Epaphroditus Was Chosen to Deliver the Letter
Philippians 2 “25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need; 26 since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice… 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour, 30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.”
Comments: Paul had decided it was necessary to send Epaphroditus with this letter, describing him as his brother, his fellow worker and soldier, and as their apostle and servant of Paul’s need. It was important for Epaphroditus to return to them because he longed to be with them, and he was very troubled knowing they had heard he was sick. Paul said he was indeed very sick almost to the point of death, but God had mercy on him — not a miraculous healing through Paul, but by the grace of God. Paul therefore eagerly sent Epaphroditus so they would rejoice when they saw him again, asking that they receive him joyfully in the Lord and honor people like him who would even risk their life for the work of Christ.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, I praise you for the treasure of Christ in my heart that you have given by grace to keep me until your return, and I want to be an active part of your church in the ways Paul has described. Therefore enable me to do my part to be like-minded and in compassionate harmony with other Christians. Keep me from exhibiting any type of rivalry or conceit, and help me to consider the needs of others more than just of myself. Lord Jesus, it is sobering to me to realize that though you existed in the form of God, you were willing to surrender your equality with God to empty yourself and take the form of a servant when you were made in the likeness of men. While in human form you humbled yourself so much as to become obedient to death, even the shameful and extreme suffering of death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted you Jesus, and gave to you the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Lord, I firmly believe that it is only through your Spirit within me that I will be able to be obedient to your Word, and to bear the fruit of your salvation that takes the form of good deeds to bring honor and glory to you for your good pleasure. Help me to be a light that shines from within as I hold up the word of life that shines from Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the example of the self-sacrificing service of Epaphroditus. Guide me also to the ways you have designed for me to serve my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Published 21 November 2015