Epaphroditus, another faithful servant: Phillippians 2:25-30

The immediate occasion for the writing of the book of Philippians was the return of Epaphroditus to Philippi. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians come to Rome to bring a gift to Paul when he was in prison. They also intended for him to stay in Rome and be Paul’s personal attendant, his armor bearer if you like. Paul was awaiting his prison sentence, so by serving him, Epaphroditus was putting his own life on the line. He could be charged with the same charges facing Paul. He must have been a brave man and just like Timothy, one who did not look to his own interests first but those of others and of Jesus Christ first.

Epaph had fallen seriously ill. As we see in this passage the Philippians had heard that he was sick and were worried. One commentator suggests that he had contracted a deadly plague in Rome, and that his healing was probably miraculous against all odds. This is why Paul saw his healing as an act of mercy from God, so that God would spare the both he and the Philippians from the sorrow of loosing him. So he sent him back so that the Philippian church would be encouraged. It was also possible that Paul was thinking in the interests of Epaph, that a change of environment would help him to stay healthy. With Ephaph as the messenger, he sent a letter to give the Philippian Church first hand information about his circumstances.

Whatever you do, do it all unto the Lord. Whether he was preaching and being a pastor to the Phillipians, or serving Paul as a servant, or being a messenger, this man whom we know little about did it with all his heart. Being set apart to serve the Lord is not just for the high offices. It is the attitude of the heart that matters in whatever you do.

This particular passage is a commentary on Paul as much as it is about Epaphroditus. Paul is in the shadow of an uncertain prison sentence, yet he shows a profound consideration for Epaph and the church at Philippi. True to his character, Paul is never too absorbed by his own troubles to think of the troubles and needs of those that are working with him. For Epaphroditus, he takes time to write a good commendation so that he will be accepted when he returns home. This is also a testimony of his deep trust in the Lord that the Lord can take care of him. In the earlier verses he speaks as one who has entrusted his life and work to the Lord, and here acts consistently. It is not difficult to see why he rejoices in the Lord always.

For your consideration: When you are faced with challenges in your work place or at home, do you pass on blessings to those that relate with you or do you displace the stress? And if your role is like that of Epaph, that is to serve as an armor bearer, do you do it with all your heart? What is your atitude towards your work for the Lord?

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