The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the CHAPTER TWO

The Structure of the Epistle: Chapter 1: PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST Chapter 4: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Paul was wholly dedicated to “the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1: 12) regardless of the sacrifice required. The passion needed to live for Christ is like an obsession, but without the negative connotation.

1 Corinthians 16: 15 … ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints … Paul was wholly dedicated to “the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1: 12) regardless of the sacrifice required. The passion needed to live for Christ is like an obsession, but without the negative connotation.

Paul’s great desire for the church at Philippi was that they stay focused and committed to that end.

Philippians 1: 27 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Paul’s great desire for the church at Philippi was that they stay focused and committed to that end.

Philippians 1: 27 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Paul’s great desire for the church at Philippi was that they stay focused and committed to that end. This is (I believe) the key verse of the epistle to the Philippians.

Philippians 1: 27 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; It takes unity of purpose to further the gospel, and that unity is hard to achieve and easy to lose. In Chapters 2 to 4, Paul exposes three obstructions to that unity, and the remedy to those obstructions.

Within the church: From outside the church: Within the individual Christian:

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another.

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another. From outside the church: False doctrines that frustrate or misuse the grace that is in Christ.

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another. From outside the church: False doctrines that frustrate or misuse the grace that is in Christ. Within the individual Christian: Lack of trust in God resulting in a fearful and uncharitable existence.

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another. From outside the church: False doctrines that frustrate or misuse the grace that is in Christ. Within the individual Christian: Lack of trust in God resulting in a fearful and uncharitable existence. Have the MIND of Christ

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another. Have the MIND of Christ From outside the church: False doctrines that frustrate or misuse the grace that is in Christ. Have the KNOWLEDGE of Christ Within the individual Christian: Lack of trust in God resulting in a fearful and uncharitable existence.

Within the church: Rivalries and worldly aspirations that set one against another. Have the MIND of Christ From outside the church: False doctrines that frustrate or misuse the grace that is in Christ. Have the KNOWLEDGE of Christ Within the individual Christian: Lack of trust in God resulting in a fearful and uncharitable existence. Have the PEACE of Christ

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) D. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY CONSOLATION: a comparative degree of happiness in distress or misfortune, springing from any circumstance that abates the evil, or supports and strengthens the mind, as hope, joy, courage and the like.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY COMFORT That which gives strength or support in distress, difficulty, danger, or infirmity.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY FELLOWSHIP Companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. “tenderness and compassion” (NIV)

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Seeing that these things flow from the heart of Christ to us …

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 1 -2 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Seeing that these things flow from the heart of Christ to us … They should flow through us to one another.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 3 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 3 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Rivalries and selfish ambition are certain to curtail the furtherance of the gospel.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 3 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY STRIFE: Exertion or contention for superiority. VAINGLORY: Exclusive vanity excited by one's own performances; empty pride; undue elation of mind.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 3 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Matthew 7: 3 -5 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 4 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) Philippians 2: 4 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 1 Corinthians 13: 5 [Love] seeketh not her own, Humility was perfectly embodied by Jesus. It is his example that Paul now puts before our eyes:

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. STRONG’S CONCORDANCE Equal, in quantity or quality

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. An isosceles triangle is a triangle with two equal sides and two equal angles across from them.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. The Trinity Shield

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. It is not robbery to take something that is already yours. Because the Son is equal with the Father, it is helpful to our understanding to begin verse 7 with the word GOD:

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But [GOD] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1: 1). Jesus abased himself by becoming a man in order to die for our sins.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 5 -8 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Hebrews 2: 9 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 9 -11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 9 -11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The resurrection and ascension returned him to his original exalted position in heaven, and established his authority over all creation.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 9 -11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This is the only reference from the Old Testament in this epistle.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 9 -11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This is the only reference from the Old Testament in this epistle. Isaiah 45: 23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 12 -13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 12 -13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Wherefore – with the example of Christ forefront on our minds.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 12 -13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Colossians 3: 22 …not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God …

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 12 -13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. “Working out” does not create muscles; it develops them to the point they are noticeable. To “work out your own salvation” is to “exercise” yourself “unto godliness” (1 Tim. 4: 7). This makes your salvation – and the fact that you belong to Christ – apparent.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 12 -13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY “It is the grace of God which inclines the will to that which is good: and then enables us to perform it, and to act according to our principles. ”

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Do not murmur against the Spirit the way the children of Israel murmured against Moses.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Crooked and perverse people make up a crooked and perverse nation. Christians who do not subject themselves to Christ will be just as crooked and perverse as those around them.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Deuteronomy 32: 4 -5 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; We need to live in a way that shows we belong to Jesus, and does not give opportunity to the accusers.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 14 -15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; GENEVA BIBLE NOTES “To be short, he requires a life without fault, and pure, so that being enlightened with the word of God, they may shine in the darkness of this world. ”

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 16 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) Philippians 2: 16 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Live for yourself, and you will die in regret. Live for Christ, and you will meet him with rejoicing. This is the great reward of a life lived in servitude to Christ. Having shown us the example of Christ, Paul now shows that he himself abides by the ideals he preaches:

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) Philippians 2: 17 -18 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) Philippians 2: 17 -18 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Paul consistently showed that he was willing to spend himself completely for the sake of the brethren.

C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) Philippians 2: 17 -18 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Paul consistently showed that he was willing to spend himself completely for the sake of the brethren. 1 Thessalonians 2: 8 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.

C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) Philippians 2: 17 -18 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. He knew the same could be said of them.

C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) Philippians 2: 17 -18 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Next, Paul offers the example of Timothy, his son in the faith:

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 19 -21 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 19 -21 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Again we see Paul’s care and concern for the people the Lord placed under his ministerial care.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 19 -21 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Timothy was an example of the selfless service that Paul applauded at the start of this chapter.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 19 -21 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. It is shameful when men will use things of God for selfish gain.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 22 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 22 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Paul and Timothy did not relate to one another as equals, as that would have been inappropriate. Paul was Timothy’s elder and not one of his fellows. We are all loved equally by God, but we are not all equals in the Lord’s army.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 23 -24 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 23 -24 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Even the most spiritual among us do not know what tomorrow may bring. We must leave our plans in the hands of the Lord.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 23 -24 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. James 4: 14 -15 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) Philippians 2: 23 -24 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. James 4: 14 -15 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. Paul now offers Epaphroditus as another example of true humility:

Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST A. Paul’s Exhortation to Humility (1 -4) B. Christ’s Example of Humility (5 -16) C. Paul’s Example of Humility (17, 18) D. Timothy’s Example of Humility (19 -24) E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30)

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 25 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 25 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. “The three words are arranged in an ascending scale: [brother] common sympathy, [companion in labour] common work, [fellowsoldier] common danger and toil and suffering. ” J. B. Lightfoot (1828 -1889)

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 25 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Epaphroditus delivered the offering from Philippi to Paul, and carried this epistle back to them. The postscript at the end of Philippians – “To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus” – reveals that he was Paul’s secretary for this book.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 25 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. He served as a manservant to Paul, attending to his care even to the point of endangering his own health.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 26 -28 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 26 -28 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. No doubt Paul prayed for his friend, and Epaphroditus did indeed recover from a deadly illness. But there is no indication that Paul felt he had jurisdiction over the gift of healing. He believed in God’s mercy, and prayed for an expression of it for his brother and for himself.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 26 -28 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY “But why did not the apostle heal him, who was endued with a power of curing diseases, as well as raising the dead? Probably because that was intended as a sign to others, and to confirm the truth of the gospel, and therefore needed not be exercised one towards another. And perhaps they had not that power at all times, and at their own discretion, but only when some great end was to be served by it, and when God saw fit. ”

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 26 -28 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Paul knew that the Philippians would be anxious to welcome back their minister, and he himself would be relieved to know he’d made it home.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 29 -30 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 29 -30 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 1 Thessalonians 5: 12 -13 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

E. Epaphroditus’s Example of Humility (25 -30) Philippians 2: 29 -30 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. The nature of his service to Paul is unknown but for two things – it put his health at risk, and the Philippians could not do it themselves.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Overview - Philippians 2 1 12 16 19 Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility and exaltation; to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to the wicked world, and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God. He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.

The Structure of Philippians Chapter 1: PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST Chapter 4: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST