Epistles

Saturday, 21 January 2017

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; Philippians 2:25

Paul has noted that he would send Timothy when the time was right to carry the message about his status to the churches. Before that time, and probably also carrying this epistle back to them, he was sending Epaphroditus. The name is often associated with Epaphras who is mentioned in Colossians and Philemon, but this is not likely. Epaphras was a shortened form of the name, but it was also a very common name. Based on the context of those passages, the two are probably not the same person. Whether the same or not, however, the name is derived from Aphrodite, or Venus. It means “Charming.”

This Epaphroditus was being sent back by necessity which will be explained in the coming verses. For now, we are just given the following three descriptions of him. He was, according to Paul –

• My brother. This is not to be taken literally, but as a brother in Christ. It is an affectionate term which is still commonly shared among believers today.
• Fellow worker. He obviously worked alongside Paul as will be seen, especially in verse 30. They may have worked together in Philippi, or it may be that he was simply sent to work with Paul while he was imprisoned. Either way, he is given the credit for being a fellow worker with him.
• Fellow soldier. This is not the only time that Christians are considered as soldiers, carrying out military style work. Paul notes the same idea in Philemon 1:2, and in 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. Further, Paul notes that we are in a spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20. If we are in a battle, we are then soldiers. These and other examples confirm and explain the term.

Next he says about Epaphroditus, “…but your messenger.” He labored with Paul, but he was sent from Philippi to do so. The word used is apostolos, and it is the same word used to speak of the designated apostles of Christ. Care needs to be taken with this word. The term simply means a messenger, or “someone sent.” In the case of Epaphroditus, he was sent by the church at Philippi, and thus he is an apostle of Philippi. The term is not to then be carried over to mean that he is an apostle of Christ.

Christ sent certain men who are known as His apostles. Others sent certain men who are known as their apostles. There are no “apostles” of Christ today who carry the authority of Christ. A church can send someone and call him an apostle, but there is no need for such a title. Whatever word is common to that church’s language would be better suited than confusing the term “apostle” with that found in the Bible when speaking of the “apostles” or “sent ones” of Jesus.

Such titles are unnecessary and often only lead to a false impression of the status and authority of the person given that title. The “apostolic era” ended with the death of the last apostle who was given that title by Christ. They had to meet certain criteria which are laid out elsewhere in Scripture, chief among which is having personally seen the Lord Jesus and been directly commissioned by him.

Having said this, Epaphroditus is called “your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.” He was the messenger from Philippi to Paul, and he was the minister of Philippi to tend to Paul’s need.

Life application: Use caution not to be swayed by fancy titles which people either grant, or which they may even claim for themselves. In the church, there are designated positions, and there are people which fill those positions, but high and lofty titles often produce unhealthy levels of adoration. We are to adore Christ alone. Pastors, preachers, missionaries, priests, bishops, deacons, popes, elders, etc. are all just folks who are not to be elevated above others, with the noted exceptions found in Scripture concerning granting certain workers “double honor” (See 1 Timothy 5:17). But this honor is for the work they do, not for who they are as individuals.

Lord God, thank You for those faithful missionaries who sacrifice their own lives in order to bring the message of Christ to the people of the world. They often go without the comforts that those who send them enjoy. They have times of loneliness, sorrow, and the like, and yet they continue their work for the sake of bringing others to know You. Be with our missionaries, confirm Your presence is with them, and comfort them in their lives and in their work. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, 20 January 2017

But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. Philippians 2:24

Paul had just previously indicated that it was his hope to send Timothy to him immediately, and at a time when he had determined his own fate. Now he continues with this thought with the word “But…” It is less of a contrast than it is a complement to what he just said. For this reason, it is often translated as “And” instead of “But.”

His next words, “I trust,” show that he has expectations which he feels confident will come about. In chapter 1, he indicated his surety that he would be released in accord with the Lord’s will for him. This is repeated now with a confidence that is “in the Lord.” The tenor of his words shows that his state of confidence – not just in this matter, but in his every thought – was in complete harmony with his faith in the Lord. As surrounded by the air he needed to breathe, so he was surrounded in his surety of the Lord’s presence around him and guiding him.

Finally, his trust in the Lord was a confidence “that I myself shall also come shortly.” His decision to send Timothy was to be carried out as soon as word concerning him was given. It would be as if a runner was sent with news from the battle lines ahead of the returning army. After that, and as quickly as his affairs could be set in order, he intended to follow after Timothy to join the brothers at Philippi.

It could also be that Timothy would be told to visit other churches, quickly carrying the message of Paul’s release from one to another. In time, he would make a slower and longer visit to each of the churches. Thus, Timothy’s visit would be one of exciting news and comfort; Paul’s visit would be of fellowship and more comfort. His words in these verses are rather similar to those found in 1 Corinthians 4 –

“For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. … But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills…” 1 Corinthians 4:17 & 19

Paul was consistent in his mind, thoughts, and attitude concerning the major outline of his life. Because of this, the lesser details would eventually find their proper place. Of this, he was sure.

Life application: We should be careful in our personal words to not ascribe things to the Lord of which we are unsure. It is very common to hear people say, “The Lord spoke to me,” or “I got a word from the Lord.” However, if we follow up with their claim, way too often, the “word” they claimed never came to pass. This is a bad place to be when we stand before Him. We can show a hope and a confidence in something without making false claims.

Lord God, it is more than wonderful to know that because of the work of Christ, we have an intimate fellowship with You once again. Help us to be confident in this relationship even when times are difficult and uncertain. Our hope is in You and in Your promises. Why should we be downcast or miserable when we have the outline of the glory which lies ahead? Instead, let us be trusting that the temporary trials are simply bumps on the sure road to glory. Amen.

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. Philippians 2:23

“Therefore” is given based on the words of verses 19-22. First, it is connected to Paul’s desire to know the state of those in Philippi. Secondly, it concerns the notable character of Timothy who was being sent for that very task. Because of his proven character, and because of his faithful service in the gospel, Paul hoped to send him without any delay with the exception of waiting to see “how it goes with me.”

He was awaiting notice of his state as a prisoner. Would he be released? Would he be confined longer? Would he face the executioner? These things needed to be determined, and once that word was known, then Timothy would be dispatched as a follow-up to this letter.

As we can see, the letter of Paul was to be sent immediately. To him, the matter of doctrine and harmony within the congregation was of paramount importance. Such should always be the case. We should count our own state as of less importance than that of others who are facing doctrinal error or conflict in Christ.

Life application: Let us continually magnify the Lord and His word in all we say and do. We should never withhold that which will build up others for our own personal reasons. In all things, let us let God be magnified first and foremost.

Lord God, we sure are in need of living properly from day to day. What You expect of us is right there in Your word. It is such a simple thing to pick it up and read it, or to have it on a CD and listen. And yet, we are unsure of even the most simple matters of doctrine because we have been unwilling to spend the most minimal amount of time in this regard. Forgive us of our faulty priorities, and help us to redirect our minds and our use of time to You… to You first and foremost, and always. Amen.

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:21

The term used in this verse is literally “the all.” It is a way of saying “all of them.” This is speaking of those around him in connection to the previous verses. He was going to send Timothy to Philippi because he found he had “no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” None of the others could be relied on in this way.

The reason is then given, “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” They were more concerned about their own state, security, and comfort than they were about getting the message of Christ out. It is a sad indictment on the attitude of those around him. However, this must exclude those mentioned in verses 1:14 & 1:17. They had become confident and were emboldened to speak without fear.

Therefore, this cannot be an all-encompassing statement, but one to be taken generally. Further, what Timothy was asked to do was something that a person without specific obligations could do. Others who may have been just as reliable would simply not be able. The words do not indicate this, but they must be read into it based on his previous comments. Those who were able were those who sought their own, not those things which were of Christ Jesus.

Life application: If you are able, are you willing? There are things that must be done in order for the carrying on of the message of Christ – in the church and beyond. In some cases, it is not reasonable to ask someone with obligations to carry on a specific task. However, they are probably able to help pay for the task. A church without people to give cannot continue. Let each of us consider how we will help with the needs of our churches, missionaries, etc.

Lord God, thank You for stirring up the hearts of the people to meet every need according to Your wisdom. There is a need for someone to go over land and sea to spread the word, and there is someone to fill the need. We need pastors, and they come along. Churches need to be sustained, and You spur the hearts of the people on to giving. In the end, if there is a need, it always gets filled according to Your wisdom. There is even an internet now where people can be fed from afar. It is wonderful to see how everything fits into place according to Your wisdom! Praises to You, our need-Filler. Amen.