Philippians 2:25-30

-Epaphroditus - sent by the Philippians with a gift for Paul, Paul is returning him

-Paul spoke highly of Epaphroditus and doesn't focus on his need but the need of the people?

-Why?

-Paul had a concern for Epaphroditus and the Philippians

-ultimately Paul gave another humble, sacrificial example of an individual who has the attitude of Christ, why is Paul continuing this thought?

V.25

-mentioned here and on Phil 4:18 - bearer of the gift

Philippians 4:18 ESV

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

-there is an Epaphras associated with Colosse but most scholars do not believe that to be the same person

-necessary: explains why

his character:

My brother

Fellow worker - 1 Thess 3:2

1 Thessalonians 3:2 ESV

2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

; Romans 16:3

Romans 16:3 ESV

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

Fellow soldier - military term - fighting side by side

Your messenger and Your minister - Epaphroditus special calling to minister for and to the Philippians

-what need did Paul have? Perhaps since Paul thought he needed to explain why he was sending him back, that Epaphroditus had been sent for longer, to serve as needed

V.26

His affection for the Philippian

They had learned about his illness and were concerned for him, why would this lead Epaphroditus to long for them?

For you all, why stress the entirety of the congregation?

Emotion: anxiety, why was Epaphroditus anxious? For their welfare, we could speculate, perhaps that they were focusing on him

We don't know how Epaphroditus got ill, or how the Philippians learned of it

Theories of the journey on the way or after he got to Rome

V.27

Just how sick? Almost fatal

Praise to God's mercy

Why mention the severity of his illness?

Mercy - the sovereignty of God

Why would Paul call this the mercy of God when he has already stated that to die is gain? 1:24 It is God's mercy that Epaphroditus is able to continue ministry for the sake of the Philippians

God's mercy in that it would have been sorrowful to Paul

Paul was human and if something had happened to Epaphroditus it would have been an emotional burden

V.28

Appears the plan was for Epaphroditus to stay with Paul, but that plan changed hunts why the explanation

V.29

Welcome him Romans 16:2

Romans 16:2 ESV

2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

In the Lord, what does it mean to welcome someone in the Lord? Welcome him as Christians should welcome him

With joy, and with our union in the Lord, what does union with the Lord and welcoming Epaphroditus have to do with each other?

Hold him in honor - valuable or precious, esteemed

Why should Epaphroditus be esteemed or held in honor? Is it ok to hold people in honor?

1 Corinthians 16:15–18 ESV

15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Jesus instructed that only those who humble themselves and serve should be esteemed. Mark 10:42-45

Mark 10:42–45 ESV

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

V.30

To be clear: Epaphroditus exhibited humility in serving Christ, the Philippians and Paul

Christ was obedient to death, Epaphroditus followed the example of Christ

What was the lack of the Philippians service to Paul?

-We see the affection that Paul and Epaphroditus have the Philippians, it is a sacrificial affection. Do you have that type of consideration for the body? One that is self-sacrificing?

-We also see Paul giving an example of a person of humility, what does this have to do with the context of unity within the body of Christ?