Philippian s The Philippian church was a strong

Philippian s

ü The Philippian church was a strong church—a very strong church. ü When a church is strong, it is always full of vision and planning, and it is always working out a strategy to carry forth the gospel. ü A strong church is always busy in the Gospel of Christ. ü It is never still and never complacent—neither the minds of the people nor the hands of the people. ü Because of this, there is always the danger of differences of opinion: differences in vision, desires, concern, emphasis, and interest. ü There always different ideas as to which ministry or project should be undertaken and supported and a host of other differences. ü The point is this: the more strength and activity a church has, the more attention it must give to unity. ü Why? ü Because a strong church has more minds and bodies working, and where more people are working more differences are bound to arise.

Paul knew this; he knew that he had to put the Philippian church on guard. The church had to protect itself against disunity and division. This is the subject of chapter two: The Steps to Unity (2: 1 -18). The first step to unity is Christ—allowing His life to be in us. In particular there are seven traits that will hold the church together and keep it unified. 1. The trait of consolation (v. 1). 2. The trait of love (v. 1). 3. The trait of fellowship in the Spirit (v. 1). 4. The trait of compassion (v. 1). 5. The trait of concern for one another’s joy (v. 2). 6. The trait of humility or lowliness of mind (v. 3). 7. The trait of controlling self-interest or concentration on self (v. 4).

Psalm 133: 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Ephesians 4: 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Acts 4: 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

1 Corinthians 1: 10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

John 17: 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Philippians 2: 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, any consolation in Christ Jn 14: 18, 27. 15: 11. 16: 22 -24. 17: 13. any comfort of love 1 J 4: 7, 8, 12, 16. any fellowship of the Spirit Therefore Ga 4: 6. Ep * 1: 13, 14. 2: 18 -22. 4: 4. any affection and mercy, Ph 1: 8. Col 3: 12. The church at Philippi was enjoying a close relationship with Paul. Now he’s asking them to be united in every aspect, they will do this by understanding that the will of God for the church to be in unity. John 17: 20 -21

Philippians 2: 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. fulfill my joy by being “Make my joy complete” The believers in a church are to be concerned for each other’s joy. And note: the one thing that brings joy to a church quicker than anything else is unity. Paul’s point is simple but direct: his joy in Christ would be fulfilled by only one thing—the unity of the Philippian church. The leaders and members of a church usually have joy in Christ, but their joy can be fulfilled only if unity exists between them. Joy is always disturbed when there is criticism, dissatisfaction, grumbling, murmuring, opposition, and a host of other divisive negatives. We are to worship, plan, organize, and serve in the joy of Christ. But the only way we can do that is. . . (Jn. 15: 11). (Jn. 16: 24). (Ro. 14: 17).

Philippians 2: 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. fulfill my joy by being “Make my joy complete” being like-minded, v 3: 15, 16; 4: 2; 1 Pet. 3: 8. v The Gr. word means “think the same way. ” v This exhortation is not optional or obscure, but is repeated throughout the NT (Rom. 15: 5; 1 Cor. 1: 10; 2 Cor. 13: 11– 13).

Philippians 2: 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. fulfill my joy by being “Make my joy complete” having the same love, ü Believers are to love others in the body of Christ equally ü Not because they are all equally attractive, but by showing the same kind of sacrificial, loving service to all that was shown to them by Christ (John 15: 13; Rom. 12: 10).

Philippians 2: 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. fulfill my joy by being “Make my joy complete” being of one accord, q what exactly is “one accord”? q The idea is that of an orchestra that plays in “harmony” or we say: they are playing in “one accord”. q This may also be translated “united in spirit” and perhaps is a term specially coined by Paul. q It lit. means “one-souled” and describes people who are knit together in harmony, having the same desires, passions, and

Philippians 2: 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. fulfill my joy by being “Make my joy complete” of one mind. translated (“the one thing thinking”) When all saints have their thinking molded by truth they will be one in thinking regarding spiritual matters. Amos 3: 3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Philippians 2: 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let nothing be done nothing Ø Brothers the warning is in front all of us, we must not do ANYTHING with “ulterior motives among our brethren. Ø If what we do is not with sincere love and motives then Ø What is the first thing don’t do it because instead of Paul is saying we must building up the church it will not have in our heart tear it down. when we are working for the church? selfish ambition This Gr. word, which is sometimes rendered “strife” because it refers to factionalism, rivalry, and partisanship (Gal. 5: 20), speaks of the pride that prompts people to push for their own way.

Philippians 2: 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let nothing be done nothing selfish ambition All things that the Christian does or thinks is dictated by truth. When one lives in truth he or she will not be moved to be factious. Paul states that absolutely no action, on the part of the Christian, is to be done with a spirit of “faction” from the Greek (eritheian) equal to = “to serve for hire, to serve a party, the service of a party, party spirit; feud, faction”. The saint who gives into a party spirit no longer has the one mind of true saints that is governed by truth. One who is factious seeks to gratify self by gaining a following of brethren.

Philippians 2: 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let each of you Every member has a great responsibility in the body of Christ. v I am not here to please my self, to do what I want or just get away with things that (I) want. v Paul says that as a member of the body of Christ, when I congregate with my brethren, I will seek the best for them FIRST. Verse 3 v Very simply, a Christian believer must forget himself. v He must quit looking upon his own things, his. . . v • ambition • desires • position • wants • being neglected • being overlooked • being bypassed • being ignored • not being recognized • not being honored • not being given the position. v Ro * 12: 15. * 14: 19 -22. + * 15: 1, 2 v Ga * 6: 2. Ja 2: 15, 16. 1 J 3: 14 -18.

Philippians 2: 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Paul is inviting the Philippians and also the members of Northside church of Christ to have the mind of Christ. But, what is to have the mind of Christ brothers? ü To have the mind of Christ is to: ü Think like Him. Luke Romans 14: 15 if your brother isas grieved because Ephesians 5: 2 And walk in love, Christ also Matthew 14: 11 11: 29 For. Yet whoever Take Myexalts yoke upon himself you will and be learn ü Talk like Him. of food, nohumbles longer walking inwill love. Do hasyour loved usyou given Himself forinus, an humbled, from Me, for and Iand he amare who gentle and lowly himself heart, be and ü Walk like Him. exalted. " not destroy with your food the one you will find rest for your offering and a sacrifice tosouls. God forfora whom sweet-Christ died. ü Love like Him. smelling aroma. ü How many problems would be solved in many churches today if we ü Remember the mind of just learned to be real people, real Christ does not divide, Christians, but instead of trying to man and all his evil divide the church, we put on the schemes divide. mind of Christ. ü Philippians 2: 1 -4.

Philippians 2: 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery ü to Who, be equal with God, ü Who is Paul referring to? ü Jesus, He is being portrayed by Paul as “being in the form of God? ü Paul knew exactly who Jesus was. ü Paul was a real Jew monotheist, one who believes in only one God. ü But Paul is about to teach us that Jesus in His Pre-incarnate existence WAS GOD! ü All this Bible passages we are about to ready are in the Word of God and no one can delete, erase, remove etc… ü Man can deny it, but they will continue to be in Gods’ Word, the point is: üJesus Is The Eternal God! Isa 7: 14; 9: 6 Mic 5: 2 Mt 1: 23 Joh 1: 1, 2, 18 17: 5 Ro 9: 5 2 Co 4: 4 Col 1: 15, 16 1 Ti 1: 17 3: 16 Tit 2: 13 Heb 1: 3, 6, 8 Heb 13: 8

Philippians 2: 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2: 3 -4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ü The point in verse 7 is, Jesus being God did not consider it robbery to be EQUAL with God but took the form of a servant to teach us that if we want to obtain heaven we Must avoid all kind of divisions and factions thinking that we are number one, the best or the most important one. Da 9: 26. Zc * 9: 9. Jn * 6: 38. Ro * 15: 3. 2 Co * 8: 9. He * 2: 9 -18. Of what did Christ empty Himself? It could not have been His divine nature, for He was God not only from all eternity (Mic. 5: 2 Jn. 1: 1 -2 Heb. 1: 8; Rev. 1: 8 -11), but God manifested himself in the flesh during His life on earth (Isa. 7: 14; 9: 6 -7 Mt. 1: 18 -25 Jn. 1: 1 -2, 14 1 Tim. 3: 16).

Philippians 2: 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. This is exactly the idea of how Hebrews 10: 5 Therefore, when He Jesus emptied himself to came into the world, He said: become a man. "Sacrifice and offering You did not Remember, even though he desire, But a body You have came as a man, Jesus was the prepared for Me. divine Son of God. John 5: 30 I can of Myself do nothing. Jesus lower himself by As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is becoming human, but going righteous, because I do not seek My through the same pain and own will but the will of the Father afflictions we all go through in who sent Me. this life. The final test, the cross. He Hebrews 5: 9 And having been humiliated himself by dying a perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, death reserved only for criminals.

Philippians 2: 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Who exalted Jesus according to Paul in verse 9. The Father, God. Remember that in the God head there are 3 persons, not 3 Gods but 3 different persons. Matthew 3: 16 -17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. [17] And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. " In this occasions the Father is exalting the Son for being obedient and also for His willingness of dying for man. The name of Jesus is sublime. The name of Jesus is unique. The name of Jesus saves. The name of Jesus is comfort. The name of Jesus is above any other name. The name of a Jesus in Hebrew is YOSHUA, and equal to: GOD SAVES. Jesus, the meaning is the saviour of the world. Matt 1: 21.

Philippians 2: 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, That in the NAME= ONOMA= AUTHORITY Pay close attention please to what the Bible says and don’t say. In the name of WHO? The Pope? Buddha? Mohammed? Confucius? Dalai Lama? We as christians don’t care about any other names. We are not afraid about any other names. We do not worship any other names, but Jesus’ name! Acts 4: 12 Nor is there salvation Hebrews 1: 6 But Heis no Ephesians 3: 14 For this Romans 14: 11 For itthere is written: in any other, forwhen "As I live, says the LORD, to Every again brings the firstborn into reason I bow my knees the other name under heaven given knee shall bow to Me, And every the world, He says: "Let all the Father of our Lord Jesus among men by which we must tongue shall confess to God. " angels of God worship Him. " Christ, be saved. "

Philippians 2: 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. God has given Christ supreme worship. God is going to see to it that every creature confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father: ⇒ every nation, tongue, and language ⇒ every person, mind, and body ⇒ every race, color, and shape ⇒ every belief, creed, and religion ⇒ every man, woman, and child ⇒ every king, leader, and authority ⇒ every professional worker and laborer Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is exactly who He claims to be: The Son of the living God. Every creature is going to worship Him as Lord, The Lord God of the universe.

Philippians 2: 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. DEEPER STUDY (2: 11) Lord (kurios): means master, owner. Jesus was called Lord from the very first of His ministry (Mt. 8: 2) and He accepted the title. He even called Himself Lord (Mt. 7: 21). The word had been a title of respect throughout history. The Hebrew title Adonai is translated Lord (Ge. 15: 2), so is Jehovah (Mt. 1: 20 -22; 2: 15; Mk. 12: 29 -30; Luke 1: 68). Both titles, Adonai and Jehovah, are translated Lord in Mt. 22: 44. Jesus Himself called God the Father, “Lord” (Mt. 4: 7, 10). But the title is more often given to Jesus. There is no question but that Jesus is recognized as Lord, being identical with the Old Testament Jehovah and Adonai (Mt. 3: 3; 12: 8; 21: 9; 22: 4345; Lu. 1: 43; Jn. 14: 8 -10; 20: 28; Acts 9: 5). When Jesus is called Lord, it means that He is Master and Owner, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the only true God. He is Jehovah, Adonai, God Himself.

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; v The first work: to work out one’s own salvation (deliverance) with fear and trembling (v. 12). v The second work: to work at obedience—to work out the stirrings of God within the heart (v. 13). v The third work: to work at not complaining (v. 14). v The fourth work: to work at being pure (v. 15). v The fifth work: to work at witnessing (v. 16). v The sixth work: to follow the example of sacrificial labor (vv. 17 -18).

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; My beloved. 4: 1; 1 Cor 4: 14; 1 Pet 2: 11 Therefore: The Philippians were very beloved for Philippians 2: 5 -11. Paul, remember Paul is in prison and Jesus humble Himself. still have the desire to be and see these Even though He Was God. brother. He became obedient. But if that is not the case! not as in my presence only, 1: 27 Took the form of a servant. It is hypocrisy to be one thing in the Died an ugly death (The cross) church and another outside the church. as you have always obeyed, It Is inconsistency to pretend to be some Obedience to the gospel has one or somebody we are not! to be done even though people are looking at as or not. Our life style has to be the same always at all times. Rom 6: 17; 1 Pet 1: 22 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; What is to work out? What is My Salvation. What is “with fear” What is “with trembling”

Philippians 2: 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. God who works in you. Although the believer is responsible to work (v. 12), the Lord actually produces the good works and spiritual fruit in the lives of believers (John 15: 5; 1 Cor. 12: 6). This is accomplished because He works through us by His indwelling Spirit (1 Cor. 3: 16, 17; 6: 19, 20; cf. Gal. 3: 3). to will and to do. God energizes both the believer’s desires and his actions. The Gr. word for “will” indicates that He is not focusing on mere desires or fancy emotions but on the studied intent to fulfill a planned purpose. God’s power makes His church willing to live godly lives (cf. Ps. 110: 3). good pleasure. God wants Christians to do what satisfies Him. Eph. 1: 5, 9; 2 Thess. 1: 11.

Philippians 2: 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, without complaining and disputing. ü The Gr. word for “complaining” is a term that actually sounds like what it means. ü Its pronunciation is much like muttering or grumbling in a low tone of voice. ü It is an emotional rejection of God’s providence, will, and circumstances for one’s life. ü The word for “disputing” is more intellectual and here means “questionings, ” or “criticisms” directed negatively toward God.

Philippians 2: 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, blameless and that you may become. harmless. This introduces the reasons believers “Blameless” describes should have the right attitude in a life that cannot be pursuing godliness. criticized because of “Become” indicates a process—they sin or evil. are to be growing toward something “Harmless, ” which can they do not yet fully possess as also be translated children of God (Eph. 5: 1; Titus 2: 1). “innocent, ” describes a life that is pure, without fault. unmixed, and Can also be translated “above unadulterated with sin, reproach. ” much like high quality In the Gr. OT, it is used several times of the kind of sacrifice to be brought to metal without any alloy God, i. e. , spotless and without blemish (cf. Matt. 10: 16; Rom. 16: 19; 2 Cor. 11: 3; Eph.

Philippians 2: 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, crooked and perverse generation. Deut. 32: 5. “Crooked” is the word from which the Eng. “scoliosis” (curvature of the spinal column) comes. It describes something that is deviated from the standard, which is true of all who stray from God’s path (cf. Prov. 2: 15; Is. 53: 6). “Perverse” intensifies this meaning by referring to one who has strayed so far off the path that his deviation is severely twisted and distorted (cf. Luke 9: 41). Paul applies this condition to the shine as lights. A metaphorical reference to spiritual character. “Shine” can be more precisely rendered “you have to shine, ” which means believers must show their character in the midst of a dark culture, as the sun, moon, and stars shine in an otherwise dark sky (Matt. 5: 16; 2 Cor. 4: 6; Eph. 5: 8).

Philippian s

Memory verse: Philippians 2: 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Philippians 2: 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. holding fast. A slightly different translation—”holding forth”—more accurately reflects the verb in the original text. Here it refers to believers’ holding out or offering something for others to take. the word of life. The gospel which, when believed, What is to runproduces or to laborspiritual in vain? and eternal life (cf. Eph. 2: 1). Can a preacher today run or labor in I may rejoice. vain for a congregation? 1 Thess. 2: 19. Can the preacher be saved and the day of Christ. congregation be lost? 1: 6; 1: 10: 2 Cor 5: 10 run…or labored in vain. Gal. 2: 2. Paul wanted to look back on his ministry and see that all his efforts were worthwhile (cf. 1 Cor. 9: 27; 1

Philippians 2: 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. being poured out. From the Gr. that means “to be offered as a libation or drink offering. ” Some connect this with Paul’s future martyrdom, but the verb is in the present tense, which means he is referring to his sacrificial ministry among the Philippians. drink offering. This refers to the topping off of an ancient animal sacrifice. That steam symbolized the rising of the offering to the deity for whom the sacrifice was made (cf. Ex. 29: 38– 41; 2 Kin. 16: 13; Jer. 7: 18; Hos. 9: 4). Paul viewed his entire life as a drink offering, and here it was poured on the Philippians’ sacrificial service of your faith. “Service” comes from a word that refers to sacred, priestly service (Rom. 12: 1; 1 Cor. 9: 13) and was so used in the Gr. OT. Paul sees the Philippians as priests who were offering their lives sacrificially and faithfully in service to God (cf. 1 Pet. 2: 9).

Philippians 2: 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. I…rejoice…you also…rejoice. An attitude of mutual joy ought to accompany sacrificial Christian service (1: 4, 18, 26; Col. 1: 24). Colossians 1: 24 now rejoice in Only myrejoicing sufferings for Philippians 1: 18 What then? that in every Philippians 1: 4 1: 26 that your for you, fill up in my flesh what lacking. Christ in theis way, and whether pretense or inis truth, always in every prayer of mine making me may be more abundant in Jesus afflictions Christ, for the sake of His preached; ofand in this I rejoice, yes, body, and will request for you all with joy, again. Christ my coming to you which the church, rejoice. is by

Philippians 2: 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. Ø The main thing for us to see in this is that even though Paul wanted to send Timothy, the Lord Jesus was really the one that had to send Timothy. Ø If Paul sent Timothy without the approval of the Lord, the trip would be a failure. Ø In (Phil. 1: 1), we saw that Timothy was an important gospel coworker in and around Philippi and a trusted corroborating witness to the truths Paul expounded. Ø Paul knows that Timothy would minister the same things he would minister, if he were there. Ø Paul trained Timothy, and he was an extension of Paul. Ø When Paul knows that Timothy is ministering to them, he will be pleased, because he will feel they are being taught the truth. Ø “When I know your state”: Condition.

Philippians 2: 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. Likeminded: Paul has no one else like Timothy who possesses the mental framework and spiritual disposition so much in keeping with Paul’s own. Paul was so sure of Timothy, that he called him his own son in the faith. Timothy was trained totally by Paul. He thought the same way as Paul, because he was trained by Paul. There was no one else Paul could send who was like this. Timothy cared for these people, primarily, because Paul loved them.

Philippians 2: 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. v The dedication, even unto death, that Paul had for Jesus Christ was not shared by many of the Christians. v Paul is saying above, they are more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others. v It seems from what Paul says here, that many were in the ministry for the wrong reasons. “All seek their own”: ü Paul must dispatch his right-hand man Timothy to Philippi because none of the Roman Christians are willing to undertake the mission. ü They all pursue their own interests, not Christ’s. ü Despite their zealous witness in and around Rome, they refuse to venture further afield for the Lord’s work.

Philippians 2: 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. ü There was a close bond between Paul and Timothy. ü Timothy was as a son to Paul, and note: Timothy looked upon Paul as a father to him. Paul could never have said this if Timothy thought and acted otherwise. ü Paul enlisted Timothy as one of his disciples and missionary partners on his second missionary journey Ac. 16: 1 -3 From that time forth, Timothy became a dynamic minister of the Lord—a minister who was called to serve in second place. ü Timothy was a close companion of Paul. ü 1) Paul called Timothy his son in the faith (1 Co. 4: 17). ü 2) Timothy was with Paul. . . ü in Philippi (Ac. 16: 1 f) ü in Thessalonica and Berea (Ac. 17: 1 -14) ü in Corinth (Ac. 18: 1 -5) ü in Ephesus (Ac. 19: 21 -22) ü in prison in Rome (Col. 1: 1; Ph. 1: 1)

Philippians 2: 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. o Since Paul could not come at this time, the next best thing was to send Timothy. Paul would send Timothy to Philippi with news of his verdict as soon as he learns of it. o Paul really would not ever be able to go to Philippi again. o He would end his days here in Rome. o Paul loved this church at Philippi, and it was the desire of his heart that he would be able to go there personally. o We can never overrule the will of God in these matters. o Paul knew that whatever the Lord had planned for him would be what he would do.

Philippians 2: 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; Epaphroditus. Paul wanted to send Timothy (v. 23) and come himself (v. 24), but found it necessary to send this man, a native Philippian of whom, outside this passage, little is known. He was sent to Paul with gifts (4: 18) and was to remain and serve Paul as he could (v. 30). messenger. This comes from the same word that yields the Eng. “apostle. ” He was not an apostle of Christ (see note on Rom. 1: 1), but an apostle (“sent one”) in the broader sense (see note on Rom. 1: 5) that he was an apostle of the church in Philippi, sent to Paul with their monetary love gift (see note on 1: 7; cf. 2 Cor. 8: 23). Paul’s sending him back to the church with this letter needed an explanation, lest they think Epaphroditus had not served Paul well.

Philippians 2: 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Distressed, is a Greek term which describes the confused, chaotic, heavy state of restlessness that results from a time of turmoil or great trauma. Epaphroditus was more concerned about the Philippians’ worry for him then he was about his own difficult situation. This illness seemed to be something of the nature of being heart sick and weary, possibly, because of the fact that Paul was under arrest. Notice, he longed after you all. It appears that his love, as Paul's, was to minister in the church at Philippi.

Philippians 2: 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Perhaps by the time he had gotten to Rome, he had become seriously ill, but now was recovered enough to go back home to labor with the church, who needed him more that Paul did. We see from this verse, that God healed him. Paul is explaining how hard it would have been on him, if Epaphroditus had died. “Sorrow upon sorrow” means that if Epaphroditus had died, that would have added further sorrow to the apostle’s already present sorrow of imprisonment.

Philippians 2: 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Paul had a great burden for all the people in the churches, and he was concerned here because the Philippians were so distressed about Epaphroditus. This in itself, makes you believe that part of his sickness was depression over being homesick, and over seeing Paul daily in chains. It will even make Paul feel better to know that his friend is feeling better. “That I may be the less sorrowful”: means that the burden of Paul’s own detainment and possible death remains. But the Philippians’ joy over the return of Epaphroditus will lessen the apostle’s grief.

Philippians 2: 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; "Receive him … in the Lord": Means that the Philippians are to welcome Epaphroditus home from Rome with a heartfelt Christian reception. Hold such in reputation is an imperative to the readers to hold in high esteem such Christian servants as Epaphroditus who are selfless in concern for others and who willingly risk their lives in serving the Lord. "To hold him in reputation" would mean that they were to show him great respect. The Philippians would rather have seen Paul, but Paul is saying, don't let that show when you receive him. Receive him with joy. Men like him are worthy of honor.

Philippians 2: 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. “Close to death” unto death refers to the same thing mentioned as sickness. We see from this that Epaphroditus' illness was brought on by overwork. His concern for Paul had been greater than his concern for himself. Possibly, he had done without necessities for himself to give them to Paul, because of the statement (to supply your lack of service to me). Not regarding his life is better said, “Risking his life. ” In ministering to Paul in Rome, Epaphroditus became so ill that he almost died. The reason he thus “risked his life”, was in order to supply your lack of service toward me. That is, to make up for the Philippians’ inability to aid Paul due to their being many miles from him.