“Yet I considered it necessary to send to you epaphroditus…”
Chapter two of Philippians gives four examples of authentic biblical mental attitude. The first was the inimitable, matchless, peerless Lord Jesus. Then Paul turned to three lesser examples. First, he gives himself as an example, he was willing to pour himself out as sacrifice. Timothy was a selfless servant. Now he turns to Epaphroditus.
“Yet I considered it necessary to send to you epaphroditus…”
Ephaphroditus only occurs twice in the Bible, here and 4:18. From verse 25 to 30 Paul presents one of the least known yet spiritually powerful men in the Bible. Even the venerated apostle Paul held him in high regard.Epaphroditus probably came from a non-christian background. His names means “belonging to Venus.” Venus was a goddess. He may have been a polytheist (worshiper of many gods) before he became a Christian.
After he became a Christian he emerged into a leading member of the Philippian church, maybe even its pastor. He was charged to deliver a love gift to Paul (4:18) and to stay and help him (2:25,30).
On his trip and stay in Rome he became dangerously ill “for the work of Christ.” He almost died (v.27). After his recovery Paul sent him back home. Upon his return he delivered the epistle to the Philippians.
Principle:
Here is another example of a person whose attitude was determined to serve others. He was willing to serve even to the point of death.
Application:
It is one thing to hold a nice thought about serving others. It is another to hold a conviction so deeply as to form an orientation, a bearing that is willing to not only to give, but to sacrifice for others.
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