INTRODUCTION
The Church at Philippi appears to have been one of the purest of the Apostolic age, and beyond any other called out the Apostle’s thankfulness and commendation.
The occasion of the Epistle seems to have been the return of Epaphroditus, who had brought a gift from Paul’s friends in Philippi, but had been seized by a dangerous illness, Paul was a prisoner in his own hired house in Rome and was anticipating his trial before the emperor.
There is nothing controversial in this letter. The peace of God keeps the Apostle’s mind and heart, and out of it pours a tide of deep and tender love. The hope of being alive at Christ’s coming is still his guiding star. His citizenship is in heaven, and all that he has forfeited of earthly wealth and joy is more than compensated for by what he has found in Christ.
OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
TO PRESENT EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST
THE LIFE THAT IS WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
A Life Triumphant in an Evil World
Illustrated by Paul’s Fellow-Workers
6.How was Timothy distinguished from Paul’s other helpers? What is said about Epaphroditus?
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may also be encouraged by learning news about you.
For I have no one else [like him who is] so kindred a spirit who will be genuinely concerned for your [spiritual] welfare.
For the others [who deserted me after my arrest] all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
But you know of Timothy’s tested worth and his proven character, that he has served with me to advance the gospel like a son serving with his father.
Therefore, I hope [that it is His will] to send him immediately, just as soon as I see how my case turns out;
and I trust [confidently] in the Lord that soon I also will be coming to you.
However, I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, [who has been] my brother and companion and fellow soldier, who was also sent as your messenger to take care of my needs.
For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
He certainly was sick and close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.
Welcome him home in the Lord with great joy, and appreciate and honor men like him;
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
On
Philippians 1:19-30
HONORING CHRISTIAN MESSENGERS
The Apostle nobly honored the younger men who wrought with him. He speaks of Timothy as his son, and expatiates on the genuineness of his loving interest in each of his converts. He describes Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier. How tenderly he refers to his sickness and recovery, as though God had conferred on himself special favor in giving back this beloved comrade in the great fight!
It is well worth while to ponder the remark that God does not add sorrow to sorrow, Php_2:27. He tempers His wind to the shorn lamb. He cautions the accuser that he must not take Job’s life. With the trial He makes the way of escape. He keeps His finger on the wrist while the operation is in progress, and stays it as soon as the pulse flutters. Not sorrow upon sorrow! Note also that “hazarding” of life, Php_2:30, R.V. It was a common experience in those great days of Christ’s suffering Church, Act_15:26. How strange it is today to watch the sacrifices that men and women will make in times of war, when a new spirit is stirring in the world and men adventure everything for liberty, righteousness, and fatherland, and then compare this extravagant expenditure of blood and treasure with what we have done for Jesus.
Pastor Jeff Arthur.
Sacrifice And Service.
An Example Of Esteeming Others Better.
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