Untitled Sermon

Epaphroditus had been sick: They had heard that he had been sick, v. 26. And indeed he was sick, nigh unto death, v. 27. Sickness is a calamity common to men, to good men and ministers. But why did not the apostle heal him, who was endued with a power of curing diseases, as well as raising the dead? . Probably because that was intended as a sign to others, and to confirm the truth of the gospel, and therefore needed not be exercised one towards another. These signs shall follow those who believe, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover, , . And perhaps they had not that power at all times, and at their own discretion, but only when some great end was to be served by it, and when God saw fit. It was proper to Christ, who had the Spirit above measure.

Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2325). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Philippians 2:19–30

(1.) Those who truly love Christ, and are hearty in the interests of his kingdom, will think it very well worth their while to hazard their health and life to do him service, and promote the edification of his church. (2.) They were to receive him with joy, as newly recovered from sickness. It is an endearing consideration to have our mercies restored to us after danger of removal, and should make them the more valued and improved. What is given us in answer to prayer should be received with great thankfulness and joy.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: A Priceless Pair (Philippians 2:19–30)

Balance is important in the Christian life. Some people emphasize “fellowship” so much that they forget the furtherance of the Gospel. Others are so involved in defending the “faith of the Gospel” that they neglect building fellowship with other believers. Epaphroditus did not fall into either of these traps. He was like Nehemiah, the man who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with his sword in one hand and his trowel in the other (Neh. 4:17). You cannot build with a sword nor battle with a trowel! It takes both to get the Lord’s work accomplished.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: A Priceless Pair (Philippians 2:19–30)

“my brother”—

“the “fellowship in the Gospel” (Phil. 1:5)

“my companion in labor”—

“the furtherance of the Gospel” (Phil. 1:12)

“my fellow soldier”—

“the faith of the Gospel” (Phil. 1:27)

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: A Priceless Pair (Philippians 2:19–30)

Dr. H.A. Ironside used to tell about a group of believers who thought only of “fellowship.” They had little concern for reaching the lost or for defending the faith against its enemies. In front of their meeting place they hung a sign: JESUS ONLY. But the wind blew away some of the letters, and the sign read—US ONLY. It was a perfect description of a group of people who were not balanced Christians.

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