What should a church expect of its leaders? While the biblical role of a pastor has been clouded and oftentimes twisted, the Lord s standard for those who shepherd His Church has never changed. And the pastor whose concern and work for the Church is Scriptural and selfless is to be appreciated. Of course, the pastor is not to have a lofty view of himself (2:3). He must thoroughly realize that he is nothing more than a sinner saved and gifted by the grace of God for heavenly purposes. Those who view the Gospel ministry as an opportunity for self-promotion and earthly gain are the very ones who give it a bad name. But the genuine pastor finds satisfaction in doing things God s way even if it means self-sacrifice. He knows that, at all cost, he has been called to study and preach the Scripture and pray for the Church so that God s people are equipped to represent Christ and His kingdom (Acts 6:2-4; Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 3:10-4:5). Whatever sacrifice is required he leaves in the capable hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, he emphasized the sanctification of believers as essential for the effectiveness of the Church. Unless a Christian is taught the truths of Scripture, he or she cannot adequately shine as a light of truth in this sinful world (2:15). Paul was committed to fulfilling his role as a minister of the Word to the Church, and he constantly highlighted the need for faithful pastors to carry on the work. In 2:19-24, he addressed the pastor s concern for God s people, his character, and his confidence in God to provide just this kind of leadership. 1
Paul s own concern for the Church s success as the Lord s embassy on earth was not hindered by his imprisonment in Rome. In fact, it prompted him to sacrifice his own need for the assistance of two fellow pastors, Timothy and Epaphroditus. He felt that the Church s sanctification was of much greater importance than his own personal needs. For this reason, he would send both of these men back to Philippi to minister. First, he would commission Epaphroditus with this letter and then Timothy to assess their need for further instruction in the truth (2:19). The apostle s concern for the Church is further seen in 2:25-30 where he praises Epaphroditus in particular as a selfless minister who could benefit the Philippians. He notes his fellowship in the ministry, his longing for the Church, his encouragement to the Church, and the need for the Church to receive him as a faithful servant. Concern for the Church Part II (2:25-30) Fellowship in the Ministry (v. 25) That Epaphroditus was likely an elder (i.e. pastor) in the Philippian church appears evident from Paul s acknowledgment in verse 25: Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need. He affectionately calls him a brother, a fellow worker and a fellow soldier all terms that identify him as a close associate in the ministry. That is, the apostle could attest to the fact that Epaphroditus was a child of God who served the Lord in His kingdom by both ministering to the Church and defending the doctrines of the faith. 2
Paul likely knew Epaphroditus prior to his arrival in Rome, since he was a believer in the church at Philippi. But the church had sent him to Paul as their messenger ( sent one ) who ministered to Paul s need in prison. He probably delivered a monetary gift and other supplies to Paul to meet his needs while incarcerated (1:7; 2:30). And he would personally comfort Paul, ensuring the apostle of the Philippians faith, love and concern. Because Epaphroditus had sincerely fulfilled this ministry, Paul could whole-heartedly attest to his faithfulness. While together, they certainly would have talked about the Lord s kingdom and the truth of Scripture. And Paul would have never praised Epaphroditus as he does here if he were not convinced of his genuine faith in Christ and commitment to serve Him. Longing for the Church (vv. 26-27) In part, Paul knew of the sincerity of Epaphroditus because he witnessed his genuine concern for the Philippians even though he had been deathly ill. Evidently, either in route to Rome or sometime shortly after his arrival, he had become sick almost unto death. How long the illness lasted we do not know, but it was obviously life-threatening. However, rather than be preoccupied with his own situation and personal needs, Epaphroditus was concerned that his illness would cause sorrow for the Philippians who had sent him. He especially did not want them to worry that Paul s needs had not been met. 3
The word, distressed, indicates the level of sorrow that the Philippians worry caused him. He did not want their focus to be on him but on their sanctification and service to the Lord. This kind of selfless concern for the Church genuinely impressed Paul. He recognized in Epaphroditus the heart of a true servant of the Lord, and he certainly identified with it. The two obviously developed a close fellowship during this time, and Paul came to love this dear brother in Christ. So much was the apostle s love for Epaphroditus that he would have had sorrow upon sorrow had he died. Encouragement to the Church (v. 28) Paul s concern for the Philippians moved him to send Epaphroditus back to the church as soon as he was well enough to make the journey. The apostle had been encouraged by the believers in Philippi and their noteworthy leader but, ultimately, his concern was for their need. And he realized that they required the ministry of Epaphroditus more than he did. He says in verse 28, Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Paul s sorrow was not because of Epaphroditus illness that was now in the past. Rather, his sorrow was that Epaphroditus absence from Philippi was a distraction to the believers there, and he felt somewhat responsible. The church had sent their messenger to help Paul, but the turn of events revealed their more pressing need for him to return. 4
He wanted them to rejoice and not be sorrowful. Throughout this letter, the apostle calls on the Philippian Christians to be joyful in the Lord regardless of their circumstances. He was trying to set the standard for this joy even though he was in prison. In his own trials, he had come to understand the importance of encouragement from God s Word. Being reminded of God s will on a consistent basis was uplifting and beneficial to sanctification. That is what Paul wanted for the church, and since he had greater understanding of Scripture then they did, he would gladly have Epaphroditus return for their instruction. He was, therefore, all the more eager to send him in hopes that, when the church welcomed him back, their rejoicing and spiritual growth would great. Reception by the Church (vv. 29-30) In the final verses of this passage, Paul admonishes the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus in the Lord with all gladness (29a). In other words, he wanted them to realize the reason behind his decision to send him back. It was for their benefit and ultimately for the Lord s glory. If they were focused on their sanctification, they could then fulfill the will of Christ for the Church. And, as Paul emphasizes in the letter, that should be our goal. So receiving him in the Lord was to receive him as the Lord s will for the Church one who could aid them in their spiritual growth. 5
Now they could receive their pastor with an even greater appreciation for his ministry. This trip to Rome had revealed even more about his concern for the Church and about his godly character. Paul presses upon their minds the need to recognize the blessing God had given them in such a pastor. His dedication to the Lord and concern for His people was an example of what a pastor should be, and for this reason, they should hold such men in esteem (Gr. entimos; i.e. consider as highly valuable ). In other words, Epaphroditus was the kind of leader they needed, and they should not take that for granted if they were serious about sanctification and serving the Lord. As a pastor, his commitment to the work of Christ was clearly evident in his ministry to Paul and the Church. To supply what was lacking in [the Philippians ] service toward [Paul], Epaphroditus had come close to death. The journey from Philippi to Rome was perilous on many levels as was any lengthy travel in those days, but he was willing to risk his own life ( not regarding his life ) for the good of God s people and the glory of Christ. He completed the journey and the mission, but his illness almost cost him his life. Paul needed the encouragement of a friendly face, and the Philippians desired to provide it. But it was not practical for the entire congregation to make such a trip. What was lacking was not their desire but the ability to carry it out. Epaphroditus, however, was willing to represent the church and supply the apostle with encouragement both tangibly and intangibly on their behalf. 6
Now the apostle wanted the Philippians to know that Epaphroditus had accomplished his mission. They could and should rejoice that they had such a selfless and concerned pastor. And they could rejoice with their leader that God has so graciously and mercifully allowed him to complete the task. Paul anticipates that God would likewise bring him safely again to Philippi for their benefit. Because the sanctification of the believer is key to Christ s purpose for the Church, it is fitting that we have this insight into the concern Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus had for God s people. It is also important in that we see our Lord s concern for believers as well. He wants us to rejoice in the fact that He provides the leadership we need to fulfill His purpose. As always, the Lord provides what is necessary to accomplish His will. Is it His will that you are determined to follow or yours? Is your concern for the Church such that you are willing to lay down your life for the glory of Christ? Are you willing to sacrifice what is necessary for the sanctification of the Church? Do you have this in common with other believers? Do you long to encourage God s people and value those who do? 7