“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:4). Paul pointed out the selflessness that is to characterize followers of Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of humble, sacrificial service to others (Phil. 2:5-11). Paul’s one aim was to follow Christ. For him to live was Christ and to die was gain (Phil. 1:21); he was willing to be poured out as a drink offering, as a sacrifice to serve others such as his brothers in Christ at Philippi (Phil. 2:17). Paul had plans to see the brethren. Unsure if and how soon he would arrive at Philippi (Phil. 2:23), Paul commended two of his fellow workers to the saints there.
The first mentioned is Timotheus, more commonly referred to as Timothy today. Paul hoped to send him soon (Phil. 2:19, 23), and to hear how the saints were faring. Paul gave the reasons why he selected Timothy to come to them. He said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel” (Phil. 2:20-22). Paul chose Timothy because he would care for the saints.
This shows the care of not only Timothy but of Paul. He knew Timothy very well, as well as a father would know his son. Paul would not send messengers to Philippi, or anywhere, who sought their own interests. Paul genuinely cared for all of Lord’s congregations; concern for churches weighed upon him daily (2 Cor. 11:28). In respect to his behavior among the saints at Thessalonica, Paul said, “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us” (I Thess. 2:7-8). Just as a mother would not let just anyone watch her baby, so Paul would not send just anyone to Philippi. He wanted someone he could trust to lookout for their interests. What about us? Would you and I fall into the majority camp that seeks only their own, or do we live out the ethos expressed in Philippians 2 of seeking the things which are Jesus Christ’s by caring for others?
Epaphroditus is also mentioned in this chapter (Phil. 2:25). The Philippian saints knew Epaphroditus. He was their messenger (Phil. 2:25) to bring the gift from those at Philippi to Paul, imprisoned at Rome (Phil. 4:18). Epaphroditus would bring Paul’s epistle with him on his return trip to Philippi (Phil. 2:25-30). Notice the selfless care Epaphroditus had for the church. He had been sick, close to death, because of his work for Christ (Phil. 2:27, 30). His physical needs were secondary to the needs of the church. In imitation of Christ, he did not regard his own life so that he could serve others. Not only this, but he was also full of heaviness because the saints at Philippi had heard of his illness (Phil. 2:26). He was concerned about what effect this news might have on them (Phil. 2:26). The reason he had worked so hard was to supply a lack of service of the Philippians towards Paul (Phil. 2:30). Yet, he was concerned about how the Philippians would take the news that he had been sick? What an example!
Paul, as an apostle endowed with the miraculous power of God, could heal the sick (Acts 14:8-10; 28:7-9), yet not all of his fellow soldiers in the good fight of faith were without illness (1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20). Even Paul himself had to suffer with a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10). God did not see fit to safeguard Epaphroditus from sickness, but He did have mercy to save him from death (Phil. 2:27).
We should not be foolish about our health, but wise in how we conduct our lives; being good stewards of our health is part of redeeming the brief time we have on this earth (Eph. 5:15-16). Physical health is crucial to our ability to serve others, but it is not the ultimate end. Bodily exercise profits in this life, but only a little when contrasted with the benefits of godliness for here and hereafter (1 Tim. 4:8). Paul puts Epaphroditus—his brother, fellow laborer, and fellow soldier—forth as a great example because his service to others in the work of Christ took priority over his own health interests. We pray regularly for the health of our brothers and sisters, and so we should, but we must also remember to pray as John did for Gaius. In 3 John 2 he wrote, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” If your physical health were on par with your soul’s health, would you be better off, like Gaius, or worse?
The church is the body of Christ where all “the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Cor. 12:25). The church should be a place of care. As Paul commended these men, I could mention several in the Shelbyville Road congregation who have shown genuine care to me and my family. I am so thankful for you. Paul no doubt cared for the Philippians, but he also mentioned the care that the Philippians had for him (Phil. 4:10). Care is often reciprocal; if you care for others, they are more likely to care about you. May God help each member of the church to care for fellow members like Paul, Timotheus, and Epaphroditus did.
–Mark Day