A CHURCH WITH SOME PROBLEMS TO ADDRESS (2:12-16)  

Different Cultural Groups 

As we read on into the letter it becomes clear that Paul has become aware of certain problems in the growing church. But we may also assume firstly that there were problems arising from some of the cultural differences. 

That problems should arise is understandable when we remember the different cultural and religious backgrounds the members have come from. They would often look at things from different cultural perspectives. 

There was firstly Lydia in whose home the church met each week Lydia was a Gentile who grew up in Thyatira. While she later became a Jewish proselyte, she would have grown up in an atmosphere of devotion to the gods of her people. In her youth her parents may have taken her, for example, to the large temple of the goddess Cybele at Sardis, just 40 kms from Thyatira. 

Among the members of the church were those with a Greek background. They would have grown up in an environment coloured by belief in Greek gods. People like Euodia, Syntyche, and Epaphroditus who are all mentioned in the letter.[1] Hendriksen[2] writes of the name Epaphroditus for example, “The name, a rather common one, is related to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Since in this predominantly heathen community the church was of fairly recent origin, the conjecture that Epaphroditus descended from a Greek family devoted to Aphrodite may well be correct.” 

There would also have been those who were Roman citizens. People like the prison officer responsible for Paul and Silas while they were in prison.[3] Barclay[4] notes that “The gaoler was a Roman citizen, a member of the sturdy Roman middle class from which the civil service was drawn.” 

Slaves were also members of the church. Like the slave girl who was delivered from the power of evil spirits during Paul’s ministry in Philippi.[5] At least these three cultural and social groups would have been part of the church meeting in Lydia’s home—Greeks,  slaves, Roman citizens.

Barclay[6] writes of these three groups, “It is an extraordinary cross-section of ancient life … they came from very different grades of society … In these three, the top, the bottom, and middle of society are all represented.” There would also have been those with a Jewish background who had come to know the Lord. Paul addresses some of the problems that he has become aware of. 

Members Were Becoming Careless (vs. 12-13)

It seems that signs were appearing that at least some members of the church were becoming careless in matters of faith and conduct. This would be why Paul is encouraging his readers to remember the teaching they had received when he writes, “you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” (vs. 12) It is a reminder to be careful to walk the talk not just to talk the walk. A walk that is pleasing to the Lord comes about as the outcome of “God’s saving work”’ that Paul refers to. This prompts me to ask ‘What is this saving work the Lord is doing in us?’ 

It is an inner work of the Lord that touches our … 

-         desires, refining, changing, teaching, giving us contentment—the kind of contentment Paul often mentions in his letters.

   Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

   I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12 NIV) 

-         feelings, bringing about an attitude of reverence and awe as we come to know him more and more. As Paul writes in another letter,

   Because we have these promises dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)          

And as another writes,

   Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe. (Hebrews 2:28) 

-         wills, turning a rebellious attitude into a submissive and obedient one. Paul writes of the “saving work the Lord is doing in us” as “God’s masterpiece” …

   Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the Spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God’s anger just like everyone else.

   But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised  Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favour that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms—all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favour and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.

   God saved you by his special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this, it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:1-10) 

-         minds, helping us to think logically and productively. Paul encourages us to do our part as the Lord works to change the way we think …

   And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:1-2a). 

-         weaknesses, giving us the strength to carry on in the day of trouble, as many can affirm …

   LORD, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble. (Jeremiah 16:19)

   The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains. (Habakkuk 3:19)

    … I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I can boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:7b-9) 

The saving work of God in the lives of Christians is also something that produces fruit. It flows from our being linked with Christ as a branch is joined to the grapevine. His life giving energy in the person of the Holy Spirit is given to us just like fruit producing energy flows from the vine to the branches. Break the connection however, and the branch withers and dies. Jesus says to all his disciples, 

   I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me and I will remain in you For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.

   Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5) 

The Possibility Of Arguments Arising (vs. 14-16) 

Paul is aware of how easily argument can break out among the members of a church, prompting him to warn the Christians in Philippi to “stay away from complaining and arguing.” (vs. 14) 

Our spiritual pilgrimage is always hindered when we allow ourselves to drawn aside into argument. The people of Israel were great grumblers and complainers. On the way to their promised new homeland for example. 

   Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron. “We wish we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they wailed.

   Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “How long will this wicked nation complain about me? I have heard everything the Israelites have been saying. Now tell them this, ‘As surely as I live, I will do to you the very things I have heard you say. I the LORD have spoken! You will all die here in this wilderness! Because you complained against me, none of you who are twenty years old or older and were counted in the census will enter the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.’ ” (Numbers 14:1-2, 26-31) 

Moses recounted the history of their complaining ways to the people as they reached a point east of the River Jordan. The promised land lay just beyond, waiting for them to go in and possess it. 

   “But you rebelled against the LORD your God and refused to go in. You murmured and complained in your tents and said, ‘The LORD must hate us, bringing us here from Egypt to be slaughtered by these Amorites. How can we go on? Our scouts have demoralised us with their report. They say that the people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are and that the walls of their towns rise high into the sky! They even have giants there—the descendants of Anak!’

   “But I said to you, ‘Don’t be afraid! The LORD your God is going before you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt. And you saw how the LORD your God cared for you again and again here in the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.’ But even after all he did, you refused to trust the LORD your God who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you by a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day.” (Deuteronomy 1:26-33) 

The arguments and splits that occur in churches are remembered for a long time. It was many years after the time of the exodus from Egypt that one of Israel’s song writers wrote of the people’s arguments among themselves and their complaints against the Lord. 

   The people refused to enter the promised land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the LORD. (Psalm 106:24-25) 

And they were still grumbling and arguing at the time of the coming of their Messiah. 

   Jesus said, “I assure you, Moses didn’t give them bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

   “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day of our lives.”

   Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst” …

    Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread from heaven.” They said, “This is Jesus, the son of Joseph. We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven?’ ”…

   Even his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” Jesus knew within himself that his disciples were complaining … (John 6:32-35, 41-42, 60-61a) 

There were also times when the first disciples of Jesus argued among themselves. 

   Then there was an argument among them as to which of them would be the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:46-48) 

Argument arose among the members of Paul’s missionary team on some occasions. Luke does not omit these from his record of life in the early church. 

   After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return to each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are getting along.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not shared in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and the believers sent them off, entrusting them to the Lord’s grace. So they travelled throughout Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches there. (Acts 15:36-41) 

Paul knew that argument among Christians sends the wrong message to those outside the church. This is why he reminds the Christians in Philippi of the need to live in such a way that the Christian faith is commended, not brought into disrepute. Christians are to be a people who are … 

-         seen to be people of integrity, so that no one is able to point a finger of blame at them. Paul writes, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your light shine brightly before them.” (vs. 14-15) The word translated ‘innocent’ is ‘ακεραιοs’ (akeraios) meaning ‘unmixed, not contaminated.’[7] Barclay[8] refers to some of the contexts in which the word is used …

   The word … expresses what the Christian is in himself … It is used, for instance, of wine or milk which is not mixed with water and of metal which has no alloy in it. When used of people, it implies motives which are unmixed. Christian purity must issue in a complete sincerity of thought and character. 

The ‘ακεραιοs’ person is one who is not running two agendas, not shifting to and fro between two options. The person who is ‘ακεραιοs’ does not put on an external show of genuineness while being all mixed up on the inside, like the false prophets Jesus warns us about.

   Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart. You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. You don’t pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles. A healthy tree produces good fruit and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. (Matthew 7:15-18) 

James describes people who shift back and forth between two ways as those who ‘waver back and forth in everything they do’ or as the NASB puts it, as a person who is ‘unstable in all his ways.’[9] Elijah’s challenge to the people to quit wavering and make their minds one way or another is one for us to face today.

   So Ahab summoned all the people and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But is Baal is God, then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:20-21) 

-         lights shining in a world of darkness. “Let you lives shine brightly,” says Paul, no doubt thinking of the words of Jesus who says of his followers …

   You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14-16) 

The light we have is not something we can generate ourselves. It is light created within us by God. Paul explains …

    We don’t go around preaching about ourselves, we preach Christ Jesus the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

   But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. (2 Corinthians 4:5-7) 

-          as people of the Book. “Hold tightly to the word of life”, writes Paul. (vs. 16) To Timothy he writes …

   But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know that they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) 

The Scriptures are the only source of information that we have about the way to knowing God. As Peter affirms …

    For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendour with our own eyes. And he received honour and glory from God the Father when God’s glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, I am fully pleased with him.” We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain. (2 Peter 1:16-18)

Reading on in Paul’s letter we discover that the Church in Philippi was … 

A CHURCH MINISTERED TO BY GIFTED PEOPLE (2:16-30) 

We notice firstly … 

The Foundational Ministry Of Paul (vs. 16-18) 

      As we have already discovered, the church in Philippi began as the result of Paul’s ministry there. From Paul’s reference to his ministry in this section of his letter, we can see that it was … 

-         a confident ministry. “… so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race.” (vs. 16) Paul knew that he was running a race that could be won, in the sense that, unlike the runners in a foot race, there is a prize for all who finish. He speaks of this in his letter to Timothy …

   I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to  his glorious return. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) 

-         a fruitful ministry. “… and that my work was not useless.” (vs. 16) Paul knows that his work has been productive. It has not been in vain. He encourages us to believe the same.

   So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58) 

-         a hard working ministry. “… my work …”(vs. 16) The word Paul uses is ‘κοπιαν’ (kopian). It comes from the verb κοπιαω (kopiaō) ‘to labour, toil, work hard.’ Barclay[10] writes concerning this word …

   There are two possible pictures in it. (a) It may paint a picture of the most exacting toil. Kopian means to labour to the point of utter exhaustion. (b) It may be that kopian describes the toil of the athlete’s training … One of the features of Paul’s writing is his love of pictures from the life of the athlete … He knew the contests of the boxers (1 Corinthians 9:26). He knew the foot-race, most famous of all the contests. He had seen the herald summoning the racers to the starting-line (1 Corinthians 9:27); he had seen the runners press along the course to the goal (Philippians 3:14); he had seen the judge awarding the prize at the end of the race (2 Timothy 4:8); he knew of the victor’s laurel crown and of his exultation (1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 4:1). He knew the rigorous discipline of training which the athlete must undertake, and the strict regulations which must be observed (1 Timothy 4:7-8, 2 Timothy 2:5) 

Paul writes in other letters of the hard work involved in Christian ministry …

   We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God who is the Saviour of all people, and particularly of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)

   God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his message in all its fullness to you Gentiles … So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. (Colossians 1:24, 28-29) 

-         a sacrificial ministry. “But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you.” (vs. 17) Paul’s reference here is to his ministry being like the ‘drink offering’ presented to God by the People of Israel.[11] The drink offering supplemented the sin offering. In presenting the drink offering, the people were offering praise and thanksgiving to God for the forgiveness of sin provided for them in the sin offering. Paul sees his ministry that way. And if necessary he is willing to die in the course of that ministry. It would be for him a sacrifice of praise offered up to the one who had died for him, the kind of sacrifice mentioned by another of the New testament writers …

   With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don’t forget to do good and share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16) 

-         a joyful ministry. “… I will rejoice and I want to share my joy with all of you. (vs. 17-18) Imprisoned as he was because of his preaching the Christian message, Paul is able to write of his joy and to encourage his readers to rejoice with him. It is the inner joy the Lord promised to those who follow him.

   I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me you remain in my love, just as I obey my father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! (John 15:9-11) 

Bill Bright once visited an elderly couple who possessed this joy. The wife was dying of cancer. Bill said, “When I stepped into their humble little trailer home, it was as though I was entering a corner of heaven. There sitting beside his dying wife was this godly man holding her hand. Both of them had radiant faces. The joy of the Lord filled the place … They had learned to trust and obey God and seek his will even in the midst of tragedy.”[12] 

Another ministry to benefit the church in Philippi was … 

The Teaching Ministry Of Timothy (vs. 19-24) 

Paul commends him to the church. “If the Lord Jesus is willing I hope to send Timothy to you soon. Then when he comes back he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. I have no one else like Timothy who genuinely cares about your welfare.” (vs. 19-20) 

Timothy was gifted with a pastoral and teaching ministry. Paul wrote twice to him when he was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. His teaching ministry complemented the evangelistic endeavours of Paul. 

He taught the new Christians in Corinth. Paul commends him to the church there. 

   For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do. That is the very reason I am sending Timothy—to help you do this. For he is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord. He will remind you of what I teach about Christ Jesus in all the churches wherever I go …

   When Timothy comes, treat him with respect. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. Don’t let anyone despise him. Send him on his way when he returns to me. I am looking forward to seeing him soon, along with the other believers. (1 Corinthians 4:15b-17, 16:10) 

We also read of Timothy teaching in Berea, Macedonia, Troas and  Thessalonica. 

   But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. The believers acted at once, sending Paul on to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those escorting Paul went with him to Athens, then they returned to Berea with a message for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him. (Acts 17:13-15)

   Afterward Paul felt impelled by the Holy Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before returning to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, on ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia. (Acts 19:21-22)

   Several men were travelling with [Paul]. They were Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; Atistarchus and Secundus, from Thessalonica; Gaius, from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus who were from the province of Asia. They went ahead and waited for us at Troas. As soon as the Passover season ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later arrived in Troas, where we stayed a week. (Acts 20:4-6)

   Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided that I should stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our co-worker for God and our brother in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage your faith, and to keep you from becoming disturbed by the troubles you were going through. But of course, you know that such troubles are going to happen to us Christians. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.

   That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. Now Timothy has just returned, bringing the good news that your faith and love are as strong as ever. He reports that you remembered our visit with joy and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-6). 

Like Paul, Timothy knew what it was to be imprisoned for his faith. The author of the letter to the Hebrew refers to this in his closing greetings. 

   I urge you dear friends, please listen carefully to what I have said in this brief letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy is out of jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you. Give my greetings to all your leaders and to all the other believers there. The Christians from Italy send you their greetings. May God’s grace be with you all. (Hebrews 13:22-25) 

And now as he sends Timothy to teach in the church at Philippi he assures the members that Timothy has proved himself in the Lord’s service. “But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has helped me in preaching the Good News.” (vs. 22) The word translated ‘proved’ is ‘δοκιμη’ (dokimē) ‘something of proven worth.’ It indicates something that has proved to be the genuine article after testing by fire, such as a precious metal after it has been put through the refining process. Timothy had been proved genuine as the result of the trials he had been through. Peter understood what this kind of testing was all about. He explains the reason for it  in one of his letters … 

   So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.

   These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus  Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6-7) 

Another benefit for the church in Philippi was … 

The Supportive Ministry Of Epaphroditus (vs. 25-30) 

   His name comes from the name ^’Aφροδιτη (Aphroditē) which is the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. This may indicate that he grew up in a family who worshipped this goddess. By the time we meet him in this letter however he is a Christian, having turned like many in Thessalonica, “from idols to serve the true and living God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

   Epaphroditus came to Rome with a gift for Paul from the church in Philippi. While there he became seriously ill. Barclay[13] wonders if he perhaps contracted “the notorious Roman fever which sometimes swept the city like a scourge.” But when he had recovered sufficiently to return to Philippi Paul gave him this scroll to carry back with him. And in this section of his letter Paul highly commends him. He is, writes Paul, …

-         “a true brother.” (vs. 25) As a brother in the Lord he has been a wonderful support to Paul and the church in Philippi. He is a good example of what Paul was writing about in another letter.

   So don’t get tired of doing what is good. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity we should do good to everyone, especially to our brothers and sisters. (Galatians 6:9-10) 

-         “a faithful worker.” (vs. 25) Paul saw him as a trustworthy person who could be invited to share in ministry with them. The kind of person he encourages Timothy to look for.

   Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favour God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:1-2) 

Jesus made much of faithfulness in his teaching. For example, in speaking of his second coming, Jesus said …

   “You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected. Who is a faithful, sensible servant, to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his household and feeding his family? If the master returns and finds that his servant has done a good job there will be a reward. I assure you, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk—well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected. He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 24:44-51) 

-         “and a courageous soldier.” (vs. 25) He is for Paul, one fighting alongside him in spiritual warfare, a companion in arms. Paul often spoke of those in ministry with him as being in a fight for the faith as soldiers in a battle. He drew on this word picture when writing to Timothy for example …

   Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they give you confidence to fight well  in the Lord’s battles. Cling tightly to your faith in Christ, and always keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences. As a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

   But you Timothy, belong to God, so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)  

   Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself  become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. (2 Timothy 2:3-4) 

Paul obviously thought of Epaphroditus as a good example of the type of soldier he encouraged others to be. Archippus was another. Paul mentions him in his letter to Philemon.

   This letter is from Paul, in prison for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.

   It is written to Philemon, our much loved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia and to Archippus, a fellow soldier of the cross. I am also writing to the church that meets in your house. (Philemon vs. 2) 

-         a strong support in times of need. Paul refers to Epaphroditus as “your messenger to help me in my need.” (vs. 25) The word Paul uses in referring to him as “a messenger” had a special meaning in those days. The word is ‘λειτουργοs’ (leitourgos). ‘a public servant, minister, servant.’ Barclay[14] explains how the word was used …

   In secular Greek this was a magnificent word. In the ancient days in the Greek cities there were men who, because they loved their city so much, at their own expense undertook certain great civic duties. It might be to defray the expenses of an embassy, or the cost of putting on one of the dramas of the great poets, or of training the athletes who would represent the city in the games, or of fitting out a warship and paying a crew to serve in the navy of the state. These men were the supreme benefactors of the state and they were known as ‘leitourgoi’. 

Paul uses the word in writing of his call to serve the Lord when he refers to himself as ‘a special messenger.’

   For I am, by God’s grace, a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News and offer you up as a fragrant sacrifice to God so that you might be pure and pleasing to him by the Holy Spirit. So it is right for me to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. (Romans 15:15b-17) 

In using this word of Epaphroditus Paul was acknowledging that his service to the Lord and his people was of the highest order. Epaphroditus was the kind of servant Jesus spoke of, one who would qualify for a special reward.

    “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me.’

   Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you a drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ ”(Matthew 25:31-40) 

-         willing to risk his life in the Lord’s service. “For he risked his life for the work of Christ,” writes Paul. (vs. 30) The Greek word Paul uses here is ‘παραβολευεσθαι’ (paraboleuesthai) meaning ‘to throw down a stake, to make a venture, to take a gamble.’ In his explanation of the meaning of the word Barclay[15] cites an example of people who did actually risk their lives in serving the people of their city.

   It is a gambler’s word and means to stake everything on the turn of the dice. Paul is saying that for the sake of Jesus Christ Epaphroditus gambled his life. In the days of the early church there was an association of men and women called the ‘parabolani’, the gamblers. It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. In A.D. 252 plague broke out in Carthage. The heathen threw out the bodies of their dead and fled in terror. Cyprian, the Christian bishop, gathered his congregation together and set them to burying the dead and nursing the sick in that plague-stricken city. And by doing so they saved the city, at the risk of their lives, from destruction and desolation.

   There should be in the Christian an almost reckless courage which makes him ready to gamble with his life to serve Christ and men. 

Epaphroditus was the kind of person who ventured his life in the Lord’s service, one who took the gamble of investing his life in serving the Lord. And he did not lose! 

Jesus gives this promise to all those who will follow him as Epaphroditus did …

   Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

   And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property for my sake and for the Good News will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life.” (Mark 10:28-30)
 

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