Paul desires to see his Philippian brethren, but the problem is he is in prison awaiting the outcome of his trial. The best he can do is send two worthy men to them in order to encourage the Philippians.
At first this section may seem completely disconnected from the precious portion of chapter 2, but a closer look demonstrates otherwise. Let’s especially notice why Paul selected these particular men to assist him and the Philippians.
WHY TIMOTHY?
Paul had “no one like him” (v. 20). There were things that set Timothy apart, or made him unique, even from other coworkers of Paul. What is it that distinguished Timothy from others?
The first thing he mentions is Timothy’s genuine concern for the welfare of the Philippians (v. 20). Isn’t that the spirit that Paul has called the Philippians to have back in verses 1-4 of this chapter? (Read 2:1-4.) Timothy had the mind of Christ! (see 2:5).
Not only has Paul taught them a humble spirit, he is going to send them one who has it! Not only will this further serve as a model for them, but it shows how much Paul cares for them. He is going to send them his best man.
Unfortunately, according to verse 21, not everyone had this kind of spirit. Many sought their own interests rather than the true interests of Christ. The teachers with selfish ambition that Paul referenced in chapter one would certainly fit this category (see 1:15-17).
In verse 22, we see that the Philippians had previous knowledge of Timothy and he reminds them that they know his proven worth or value in the Lord’s work. Timothy not only has had some great experience working with Paul, and has already proven his worth.
Timothy served with Paul as a “son with a father.” The idea is that he placed himself in willful subjection to Paul. Whatever Paul needed, he was willing to give. That is exactly the attitude that we observed in Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself…” (2:6-7).
Timothy is a more impressive man when we consider other facts mentioned in Scripture.
(1) Timothy struggled with being timid and fearful (2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Cor. 16:10, 11).
(2) He had some health issues (1 Tim. 5:23).
(3) Timothy’s father was not a Christ, at least at the writing of Acts 16:1-3.
It would have been very easy for Timothy to “cave-in” amongst the difficulties he faced, but instead he humbly and devoutly put on the mind of Christ and served in a great capacity. No wonder he is Paul’s favorite co-worker!
Paul will send him after Epaphroditus so that Timothy can inform the Philippians as to how things turned out with Paul’s trial.
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First, note the different ways in which Epaphroditus is described in verse 25:
(1) He is Paul’s brother.
(2) He is a fellow worker.
(3) He is a fellow soldier.
(4) He is a messenger to the Philippians.
(5) He is a minister to Paul.
It seems Epaphroditus possessed a very different temperament than Timothy, but God could use both! So Epaphroditus will also come to the Philippians as one who is extremely devout, proven, and has very high commendation from the apostle Paul. It seems from verse 25 that he will be delivering this letter when he comes.
But he is not coming to them merely because Paul is sending him, but as one who is “longing for” them (v. 26). One of the reasons for this great desire is that the Philippians had heard about how sick and near to death he was, and thus he has become distressed about their distress over him! He wants to alleviate their concern. Truly these brethren cared about one another! (See Rom. 12:15.)
This particular situation made Paul “more eager to send him” (v. 28). In this way he could help alleviate the anxiety of the Philippians and Epaphroditus. In turn, Paul’s own anxiety will be relaxed (see v. 28b), this likely referring to the return of Epaphroditus with the anticipated good news concerning the well-being of the Philippians.
For these reasons, Paul urges the Philippians “to receive him with all joy” (v. 29). Paul even uses this as a “teachable moment,” urging them to “honor such men,” not just him, but those like him. Epaphroditus, in particular, should be received with great joy because he “nearly died for the work of Christ” (v. 30).
CONCLUSION
Why did Paul choose Timothy and Epaphroditus? To put it succinctly, they had demonstrated exactly what Paul was teaching the Philippians: to “have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus” (2:5).
Would Paul choose you? If not, prepare for service by being more like Timothy and Epaphroditus who had truly put on the mind of Christ! (Reflect upon 2:1-11.)
Daren Schroeder
