Model Servants

Model Servants

Philippians 2:19-30

Main Idea: As Paul gives the travel plans of Timothy and Epaphroditus, he holds them up as Christlike examples worth watching and following.

If you’re not a Christian, you may have various thoughts about Christians. Maybe you’ve been turned off by the phony religiosity of people who say they’re Christians. Maybe you’ve detected nothing different about their lives compared to yours. I want you to look at some better examples in this passage. Here we see the type of believers that we’re supposed to be like. Don’t reject Christ and the church based on a poor representation from those who, in the words of Bonhoeffer, embrace “cheap grace”—that is, those who claim the name Christian but seem no different from anyone else. Take a look at an authentic version of Christianity here in Philippians in these two men who have been radically transformed by God’s saving grace in Christ.

At first glance, verses 19-30 are a bit of a downer. C. J. Mahaney quips, “No one’s favorite verse is found in this passage!” (“Whom Should We Follow?”). Paul opens the letter with a heart-stirring thanksgiving and prayer. He proceeds with his inspiring Christ-centered ambition and vision described in 1:12-26. Next, he moves into the weighty exhortation of the letter, challenging the Philippians to “live worthy of the gospel” (1:27a). This exhortation is followed by a plea for unity that comes through humility (1:27b–2:4). Paul illustrates what a humble mind-set looks like with the motivating and majestic Christ hymn of Philippians 2:5-11. Then, after commanding the Philippians in 2:12 to “work out [their] own salvation with fear and trembling” by doing “everything without grumbling and arguing” (2:14), Paul describes his own inspiring example of being “poured out as a drink offering” (2:17-18). In chapters 3–4 we see more popular and powerful passages. But before we get to chapter 3 . . . we find a travel itinerary. Seriously? Should we just skip this and move on to Paul talking about our union with Christ and what it means to live in the power of the resurrection (3:10)? Should we just skip over to Philippians 4:6-7 and learn about how we might have the peace of God? We could do that, but we would bypass some important material. This passage is calling us to Christlikeness, and we need to consider it carefully.

Understanding the Importance of the Travelogue

To see the importance of this passage, consider two questions. First, why do we have a travel itinerary at all? This is probably obvious to you, but I’ll mention it. Paul includes this section because communication was important. He didn’t have access to technological advances like FaceTime. The church was supporting Paul, and Paul wanted to extend thanks to the church and outline his plans. Further, Epaphroditus, who delivered a gift to Paul, was being sent back to Philippi sooner rather than later, and Timothy was being sent later rather than sooner. Paul needed to alert the church to these dynamics. “That’s clear enough. Good for them,” you might say. So why is it important for us? Next question . . .

Why is this travel itinerary in the middle of the book? While there are exceptions (as in 1 Cor 4:1-19), a travelogue in the Epistles normally appears at the end of the book. For example, at the end of Colossians 4 Paul says, “Tychicus . . . will tell you all the news about me. I have sent him to you for this very purpose” (Col 4:7-8). Because of this unusual placement in Philippians 2, some have concluded that Philippians is more than one letter. But I don’t think that’s the best answer. The best reason for including this travelogue here is that it fits perfectly within the flow of the whole letter. By speaking about Timothy and Epaphroditus, Paul provides concrete examples of what he’s been talking about in the previous two chapters.

And this is why this passage lays claim on our lives. Paul moves from instructions and imperatives to living illustrations. We need illustrations and examples of a Philippians type of life! D. A. Carson gives numerous cases of the need for examples in matters such as prayer, language, lifestyle, entertainment, and he says, “Much Christian character is as much caught as taught—that is, it is picked up by constant association with mature Christians. . . . Modeling, modeling; it takes place all the time, whether we take it into account or not” (Basics, 69–70).

These men exemplify Philippians 1:5, for they had a “partnership in the gospel.” God began a good work in them, and He was carrying it out (1:6). These men show us what it looks like to have affection for Christ’s church (1:7-8). We could also say that they illustrate what it looks like to live “worthy of the gospel” (1:27), and that they illustrate the imperatives of 2:12-16. The most obvious text that should come to our minds now is found here in the immediate context:

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:3-4)

Timothy and Epaphroditus are humble, others-focused servants who provide a shining example of working out their salvation in practical acts of serving without grumbling (2:12-14). Remember that we said “J.O.Y.” comes when you get things in the right order: “Jesus, then Others, and then Yourself.” As a student said, there’s a “whole lot of J.O.Y. in this passage!” These two men love Jesus and others. We shouldn’t elevate them beyond reason, but we must see them as Paul is using them—as examples worth watching and as men worth following.

As we read through the text, we should seek to imitate such servants. We should seek to honor such servants (2:29). We should seek to send such servants or go like these servants. Regarding imitation, we should say, “Imitate them, as they follow after the example that is in Jesus” (2:5-11; cf. 3:17). Regarding honor, we’re reminded of the need to show appreciation and respect for those that build up Christ’s church. Regarding going and sending, we see the need to send our best and to be ready and available to go serve others ourselves.

So there’s more than a travel itinerary here; Paul commends the character of these two brothers in Christ. He holds them up as model servants. Practically, these brothers show us what it looks like to have a changed heart. Jesus transformed them into compassionate, self-forgetful, sacrificial servants worthy of emulation. When a church like the one in Philippi, or a church today, follows such selfless examples, they will grow united (1:27–2:4).

What about the person who reads this section and says, “It’s kind of mundane”? We could say, “Indeed, you won’t find anything super-sensational here, and that’s probably why you need to read it closely!” There are no light shows, mega conferences, or acrobatic stunts here. There are no hobbits disappearing or Chihuahuas doing tricks. But faithful Christian living doesn’t always look extraordinary.

We are drawn to the dramatic. The church gets sucked into the extraordinary as a product of the culture, in which everything gets sensationalized around us; even the nightly weather report is often sensationalized! As a result of our addiction to sensationalism, we get bored easily, we can’t be still to study or listen, and we tend to downplay faithful, normal Christian service that honors Jesus. God normally meets us and uses us in the ordinariness of life.

Let me use an illustration. Fred Craddock once said,

To give my life for Christ appears glorious. To pour myself out for others . . . to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom—I’ll do it. I’m ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. . . . We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $l,000 bill and laying it on the table—“Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $l,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor kid’s troubles instead of saying, “Get lost.” Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it’s harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul. (Quoted by Darryl Bell, “Practical Implications of Consecration”)

Faithful Christian living might mean martyrdom for some, and if so, then we should rightly honor those believers. But for many others, those like Epaphroditus, faithful Christian living involves pouring our lives out, little by little, in practical acts of service over the long haul. It involves “giving out quarters every day”: having a lonely person over for dinner; babysitting for a single mother; inviting some international students over; doing foster care; praying with a friend; helping someone move; visiting those in the hospital; and so on. This passage in Philippians 2 involves a guy delivering a gift to Paul and getting sick along the way. Paul says essentially that he spent some quarters and should be honored. So let’s look at the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus. (I would like to call them “Timbo” and “Ephro,” but I’ll refrain!) Let’s consider how we might imitate them, honor others like them, go like them, or send others like them.

The Example of Timothy

Philippians 2:19-24

Paul tells the church that he’s not sending Timothy right away. Maybe the church was expecting him to come soon. Timothy might be waiting until Paul’s trial is concluded. If the verdict is favorable, then Paul plans on coming shortly after Timothy gets deployed. But Paul is not certain about everything, and he recognizes that he is subject to God’s will, as indicated by the phrase “I hope in the Lord Jesus” (v. 19, cf. v. 24). In his travels he knows that Jesus is Lord over all things. In the middle of this itinerary, you will notice a heart-felt commendation of Timothy. Consider two aspects of Timothy’s example: his compassion and his companionship.

Timothy’s Compassion (2:20-21)

Paul says that he has “no one else like-minded” as Timothy is. Of course, Paul knows other believers in Rome, but no one is quite like Timothy in attitude, character, and closeness to the apostle. Apparently, Luke and Aristarchus are no longer with him in Rome (cf. Col 4:10,14; Phlm 24). What makes Timothy special among those present? Paul says that Timothy genuinely cares about others. Timothy is truly concerned for the well-being of others. He is a compassionate servant who loves the church. Like Paul, Timothy has a concern for the health of churches (2 Cor 11:28).

Paul says that many others seek “their own interests” (Phil 2:21). Already in chapters 1 and 2, Paul mentioned that some in Rome served out of envy and rivalry (1:15,17; cf. 2:3). But Timothy is in the group that served Christ out of goodwill and love (1:15-16). Notice the shift from verse 20 to verse 21. In verse 20 Paul says that Timothy is concerned for “your interests,” and in verse 21 he says that he seeks after the interests “of Jesus Christ.” Serving Christ involves serving others in the church. Serving Christ’s church flows from our love for others and Jesus’ glory, not our own selfish agendas.

By highlighting the warm, selfless, Christ-centered character of Timothy, Paul might also be preparing the congregation to listen to his son in the faith. Remember, there are tensions in Philippi. Paul informs the church that Timothy is the type of guy they can trust and listen to in order to resolve the matter. They can be assured that Timothy won’t serve with self-centered motives but will serve the interests of Christ, who longs for unity in His church. Timothy’s arrival will be worth the wait (O’Brien, Epistle, 320). Let us pursue the same type of compassion that flows from a heart enthralled by Jesus. Don’t serve for the admiration of others, but for the adoration of Christ. Serve out of compassion for people, not to make a name for yourself. Let us humbly seek the good of others in light of how Jesus has poured out His life for us.

Throughout the years, the church has had many shining examples of selfless, Christ-exalting service. For instance, historians tell us that in AD 252 a plague hit Carthage, and people were leaving the city because of the threat of contamination, losing everything. The Christian leader Cyprian drew all the other Christians together in the middle of the town—in a town that persecuted Christians and blamed them for the problems—and said, “Fan out through this town to give to all according to their need.” And they would not abandon the city in the midst of the plague. The Christians earned a reputation for showing charity to all people, regardless of status or background.

What kind of leader do you follow? What kind of leader will you be? Follow compassionate servant-leaders who are following Christ, like Timothy. Listen to these types of leaders. Hear their hearts. Watch their lives. And if you become a leader, be this type of leader. Don’t insist on the finest accommodations. Don’t become self-absorbed. Don’t live for the admiration of others. Look to the interests of others for the glory of Christ.

Timothy’s Companionship (2:22-24)

Next, Paul says, “But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father.” Paul loves Timothy as a spiritual son (1 Cor 4:17; 2 Tim 1:2; cf. 2 Kgs 2:12). His words about Timothy highlight the familial nature of the church. Timothy wasn’t merely a volunteer in an organization; he was Paul’s son in the faith. Paul mentions that Timothy had proven his character to others. He was devoted to Christ’s cause and Christ’s church. Together, Paul and Timothy were “slaves of Christ Jesus” (1:1). They had been through the fire of testing and trial, advancing the gospel in the midst of hardship (Acts 16:1,3; 17:14).

The striking note about the loyal companionship of Timothy is highlighted in the next verse: “Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me” (2:23). Paul couldn’t dispatch Timothy immediately. Perhaps he needed his help in a legal or pastoral matter; we don’t know. But we do know that Paul treasured Timothy’s companionship. Timothy was a true friend who helped sustain the apostle during this time. What made Timothy a great friend? The best friends are those who serve and care for you like Christ would serve and care for you. Do you have friends like that? I hope you do. Are you a friend like that? I hope you are. Care for others as Christ would care for them. That means being present, speaking the truth, strengthening them in weakness, praying for them, and providing support and resources when needed.

So Paul is sending Timothy, his spiritual son, his companion, his fellow servant in the gospel. He was an extension of Paul to minister to the Philippians. In sending Timothy to the church, Paul is also displaying selfless service. He is sending his beloved companion for the good of others. Paul, too, is an example of selfless service that we should emulate.

The Example of Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:25-30

Paul isn’t sending Timothy immediately, but he is sending Epaphroditus. (He shouldn’t be confused with Epaphras; cf. Col 4:12.) The name “Epaphroditus,” which was common in the era, is derived from “Aphrodite” (the Greek mythical goddess). His family may have worshiped this goddess, and he was likely a Gentile convert (O’Brien, Epistle, 329). What happens when Jesus transforms an idol worshiper? We read about it here.

According to chapter 4, Epaphroditus brought Paul financial help from the church in Philippi. The church probably expected Epaphroditus to stay and minister to Paul, but Paul tells them that he’s sending him back because Epaphroditus had fallen ill. We don’t know what this illness was; perhaps it was a terrible fever or the flu. Whatever it was, he almost died. The events may have happened like this: He got sick en route, not after his arrival in Rome. Since Epaphroditus was carrying money, he probably didn’t travel alone (cf. 2 Cor 8:16-22). One of the companions may have returned to the Philippian church with the alarming news, or someone traveling in the opposite direction could have reported the situation to the church (Witherington, Friendship and Finances, 80). Then one of his companions may have nursed him along as they journeyed to deliver the gift (see Hughes, Philippians, 113–14).

Paul wanted the church to welcome and honor Epaphroditus. Kent Hughes claims he was a layman, not an official leader in the church (Philippians, 115). Indeed, no position is mentioned here or in chapter 4. It’s certainly true that you don’t have to have a position to be useful or worthy of honor. Paul also sent him back because he didn’t want the additional stress of keeping him in Rome.

Why the emphasis on honor? This emphasis is probably due to the fact that this was a culture based more on honor and shame than our American culture is. Think about it. The church sends their representative to the famous apostle. When he arrives, he has been sick, he almost dies, and he has to go home sooner rather than later. The church might think of him as an embarrassment. “We should have sent someone else!” they may have said. But Paul covers for him and says Epaphroditus deserves a hero’s welcome.

Paul mentions five descriptions for Epaphroditus that underscore his character and partnership. The first three descriptions relate to his relationship with Paul and the next two his relationship to the Philippians. Then he mentions the compassion of Epaphroditus, his experience of God’s restoring mercy, and the type of welcome he deserves when he returns to the church.

The Type of Man He Was (2:25)

Brother. This first description reminds us how we become partners in the gospel. Through Christ, we have been adopted by the Father. And when you become a Christian, not only do you have a new relationship with God, but you also get a new relationship with other believers. You are now brothers and sisters. The term brother may not mean much to you if you grew up in a church where you heard it regularly. Christians often use the term because they can’t remember each other’s names! But it’s a miracle that we’re brothers and sisters. Our identity has changed; God is our Father, and we are adopted family members. In calling him “brother” Paul is also highlighting his affection for Epaphroditus, not just this identity change. When you go through hard times with Christian brothers or sisters at your side, you form a deep relationship with them. Such was the case here. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ!

Coworker. Paul also labored in the same mission as Epaphroditus. Though Paul was more up front, in a position of leadership, he recognized that they were equals. Paul didn’t assume some position of superiority. They worked together for the cause of Christ. Epaphroditus, you could say, nearly “worked himself to death.”

Fellow soldier. Paul changes the image to one of his favorite pictures of the Christian life. He goes to the battlefield and calls him a “fellow soldier” (cf. 2 Tim 2:3-4). He and Epaphroditus had been through a spiritual war together (cf. Eph 6:10-20). As in the case of the term coworker, Paul sees himself as an equal, on the same mission together. As is the case with many good soldiers, Epaphroditus had been wounded, and he was being sent home to rest (Hughes, Philippians, 115).

Messenger and minister. Moving from their relationship with each other, Paul mentions the relationship between Epaphroditus and the Philippians. With two words he explains what Epaphroditus was called to do. He was their “messenger” (apostolon). Like the apostle Paul, he was “sent” with a mission to convey the love of the church and to give a gift to Paul. And he was also their “minister” (leitourgon), a word that carries the idea of priestly service in the Greek version of the Old Testament. This term doesn’t refer to a position, but to a particular function. All believers are God’s priests, and all believers are called to worship God through sacrificial service (Rom 12:1-2). Epaphroditus worshiped God by serving Paul and others. While it’s good to discuss various aspects of corporate worship, we shouldn’t limit our discussion of worship to merely what happens on Sunday. We need worshipers like Epaphroditus.

Wouldn’t these five terms be wonderful on a tombstone? Wouldn’t you like to be known as a brother, coworker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister? What would people say should go on your tombstone? Emulate Epaphroditus.

The Type of Love He Displayed (2:26)

Paul notes Epaphroditus’s compassionate sensitivity in the next phrase: “since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick” (emphasis added). This verse is remarkable because Ephaphroditus is the one who is sick, yet we don’t read of any self-pity—rather, quite the opposite! He’s not concerned about himself; he’s concerned about the anxiety of the Philippians! I must admit that this is a challenging example. When you get sick, do you turn inward? Do you want to call your mom and have her make chicken soup? Well, Epaphroditus’s sickness was much worse than the common flu. Yet he “consider[s] others as more important” even in his sickness (2:3).

The Greek word for “distressed” is used elsewhere only in the garden of Gethsemane passage, describing the great anguish of our Lord prior to His death (Matt 26:37; Mark 14:33). Even with death at his doorstep, Epaphroditus, like Jesus, is concerned about others more than himself. Jesus was obedient to death (Phil 2:8); Epaphroditus was obedient to the point of death (2:27), yet another way Epaphroditus points us to Jesus.

Perhaps someone has asked you, “As a Christian, what’s different about your life compared to mine?” You could stop and teach them theology. But you could also say, “Come watch me live for a month, and you can tell me. See if there’s anything different.” In Philippians 2:5-11 we see the theology of a Christian, but in 2:19-30 we see the type of lifestyle that should mark a genuine Christian. Would someone see Epaphroditus’s type of love in you if they watched your life for a month? To live this type of life, we need help (2 Cor 12:7-10). That’s exactly what Epaphroditus received.

The Type of Help He Needed (2:27)

Just how sick was he? Paul says that he was so sick that he “nearly died.” Three times Paul mentions his severe condition (vv. 26,27,30). How did Paul’s fellow soldier survive? We don’t have all of the details, but we do know this: “God had mercy on him.” Did medicine help to cure him? Was he restored as a result of prayer? Did he experience a divine miracle apart from medicine? Was it a combination of all of these? We don’t know. The significant thing to Paul was that his recovery was due to the sovereign act of a merciful God (O’Brien, Epistle, 337). Epaphroditus needed God’s mercy in his weakness.

Paul adds that he, too, had experienced the mercy of God. If Epaphroditus had died, Paul would have had “one grief on top of another.” Paul knows that “dying is gain” (1:21), but this doesn’t mean he wouldn’t mourn over his brother. Our world is filled with grief, but the believer can say with Paul, we are “grieving yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor 6:10). Paul would have wept over Epaphroditus; he wasn’t an emotionless leader. This passage shows how much Paul loves people, and when you love people, you grieve over their absence. But we don’t grieve as those without hope (1 Thess 4:13).

Does this little phrase, “However, God had mercy on him,” move you? His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22), and we need new mercies every morning! We experience God’s mercy in manifold ways. In His mercy He has covered our sin, and in His mercy He heals our bodies (Ps 103:1-5). Believers rejoice in the saving mercy of God, who has raised us up spiritually (“But God, who is rich in mercy”; Eph 2:4). We experience traveling mercies regularly. David said it well: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps 23:6 ESV). God had been good to Paul, to Epaphroditus, and to the church in Philippi. And He’s been good to us. May God fill your heart with gratitude for His bountiful mercies, and may your heart not be filled with entitlement. We don’t deserve blessings.

The Type of Welcome He Deserved (2:28-30)

Paul says that he’s eager to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians so that everyone may experience peace. Paul wouldn’t have to worry about him. The church would know that he was okay, and Epaphroditus wouldn’t have to worry about the Philippians worrying! On arrival, Paul says there should be not only joy, love, and peace but also honor. Paul commands the church to welcome their messenger because he made a huge sacrifice. Paul says of him that he was “risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me” (v. 30). What was lacking was the Philippians’ presence. Epaphroditus represented them in their absence. In so doing, he almost died. He deserves to be welcomed as Christ will welcome those who faithfully labor in service to others (Matt 25:14-46).

This command to honor Epaphroditus is so refreshing. In Paul’s day, and in our day, it’s usually the famous, the talented, and the powerful who are praised. But here’s a simple messenger who took a gift to Paul in humble service and sacrifice, and Paul says to honor him. Similar language is found in 1 Corinthians, where Paul commends Stephanas and his family.

Brothers, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. I am pleased to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. (1 Cor 16:15-18; emphasis added)

This sounds a lot like Epaphroditus, doesn’t it? O’Brien notes, “Paul’s teaching in both passages is consistent with that of Jesus, who said that the greatest honor among his followers belongs to the one who renders the lowliest service (Mk 10:42-45; Lk 22:24-27; cf. Jn 13:13-15)” (Epistle, 341).

I (Tony) am a Kentucky basketball fan. In 2014 we made it to the championship game only to lose to Connecticut. Almost 80,000 people showed up to watch that game. When Kentucky returned from the airport during their wins throughout the tournament, they were extolled by fans. Even after defeat, people welcomed them and honored their team. I don’t have a problem with fans honoring players. Unfortunately, we fail to recognize the type of greatness exemplified in Ephaphroditus. We underappreciate faithful service to Jesus. Who’s greater, the person who serves the least of these, or the person who wins a championship? Sports are wonderful gifts, but games are games. There are much more important battles to engage. When you see someone serving Christ faithfully, you should encourage them and thank them. Don’t deify them, but honor them. Paul says this person is worthy of an appreciative and thoughtful welcome.

The Christian life should be filled with honoring one another (Rom 12:10; Eph 6:2; 1 Tim 5:3,17; 6:1; Heb 13:4; 1 Pet 2:17). Ultimate honor goes to Jesus, but under that honor we should have deep appreciation for the hard work of those who build up Christ’s church. Let’s step back and gather a few profitable points of application from the life of Epaphroditus.

Serving Jesus and others will cost you, but it’s worth it! The call to put the needs of others above your own will mean that you might have to change your schedule this week. You might have to travel somewhere. You might get sick along your journey and have to minister in weakness. You might have to open your home or your wallet. You might encounter great conflict or persecution. If we’re going to follow after these model servants, who are following Jesus’ example, then we must acknowledge that the Christian life involves sacrifice—varying degrees of sacrifice. But it’s worth it because we get to bless others and because it glorifies Jesus, who notices every small act of obedience and will reward it (see Matt 25:14-46; Luke 14:12-14).

Deep relationships are formed when you are on mission with other brothers and sisters. We’re made for relationships—not superficial relationships based on fleeting affinities but for something much deeper, namely, gospel partnerships. We have pointed out already that the “partnership of the gospel” (Phil 1:5) involves more than potluck dinners. It involves a common mission of advancing the gospel. These two servants were coworkers with Paul, and as a result they shared a deep relationship that few experience. Let’s remember this. Deep and abiding community is formed in the church as we serve together, not just when we sit together once a week in a Bible study or a worship event (as important as these are!).

The church has always been sustained, enriched, and built up by unsung heroes. Consider Romans 16. This particular postscript includes a list of unsung heroes. These postscripts, including the one in 1 Corinthians 16, demonstrate that Paul didn’t just love books, theology, and ministry. He also loved people. When Paul talks about unsung heroes in the church, he does so with honoring and familial language, as he does with Timothy and Epaphroditus. I have highlighted a few of the ways that Paul honors them:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also. Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. (Rom 16:1-16; emphasis added)

Those are some beautiful words—“brother,” “mother,” “sister,” “coworker,” “servant,” those who “worked very hard.” Let me ask you, based on all of these names, did the apostles do all the work in the church? No. Were they the only people worthy of honor? No. The church was filled with missionaries, with fellow servants of Jesus, who were laboring in their own ways to build up the church and reach out in mission. So don’t get the impression that you don’t have an important role to play in your church. You do! The church has been blessed throughout the centuries by unsung heroes like these.

In Humility Consider Others as More Important Than Yourselves

Timothy and Epaphroditus (and Paul!) give us living examples in the book of Philippians, particularly in 2:3-4. To summarize, let me repeat Paul’s exhortation: “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” All three men show us what happens when the gospel really transforms us from the inside out: we begin to live like Jesus (2:5-11).

What about you? Is this the nature of your Christian life, a life of considering the needs of others above your own? The only way that happens is by trusting in Christ, who emptied Himself on behalf of sinful people like us, and by pursuing through the Spirit this attitude and these types of actions, which include everyday acts of love, little by little, over the long haul. Go spend some quarters today for the good of others and the glory of Jesus in the ordinariness of life.

Reflect and Discuss

1. In what ways does phony religiosity (those who claim the name “Christian” but seem no different from anyone else) hurt the credibility of Christ and the church?
2. What are some reasons we have a travel itinerary in Philippians?
3. Who are the people in your life who model Jesus? In what ways do they model Christlikeness?
4. Who are the people in your life to whom you model Jesus? In what ways would they say you model Christlikeness?
5. Does faithful Christian living always look extraordinary? Why or why not?
6. How do you cultivate a servant heart of selflessness rather than selfishness?
7. What made Timothy a great friend to Paul? Do you have friends like that? Are you a friend like that?
8. Consider each description. Why does Paul call Epaphroditus his “brother,” “fellow worker,” “fellow soldier,” and “messenger and minister”?
9. Consider the ways God has had mercy on you today. Pause and thank God for the evidences of His grace.
10. What are some practical ways you can “honor” servants of the gospel like Timothy and Epaphroditus at your church?