Philippians 2 :19 to 30 offers an opportunity to do some "people watching". I am a people watcher. I go so far as to go to outlet malls with my wife while on vacation and watch people while she shops. The shopping part of it I am not really into. My shopping practice is to know what I want, decide what store sells what I want, go to the department in that store that sells what I want, pick up and pay for want I want, and go home. But, as long as there are people in the mall to watch she can shop all day and I am good with that.
At first glance I wondered why these verses are included in inspired Scripture. What does Paul's decision to send two guys to Philippi have to do with my living a Christian life today? However, Paul says some interesting and revealing things about Timothy and Epaphroditus that should affect us today.
We know something about Timothy from other Scripture references and from the letter Paul later wrote to him but this is about all we have on Epaphroditus. He calls these two men "co-workers". Although their role and their image were different from his, he saw them as important in the work of the Gospel and equal in team. Everyone's role is important. It may not be glamourous or visible but everyone who commits to get involved in the work of Christ is important in the job. Each one deserves recognition.
Some of the things Paul says about Timothy here tell us of his character and tell us something of what we should be in our service to Christ.
He took "a genuine interest in the welfare" of the Philippians. He may not even have known them but because they were part of the Family of God they had a real place in his heart. It seems that others, perhaps the majority of others, with Paul looked "out for his own interests not those of Jesus Christ". I sure hope that Paul would not have put me in that group.
Paul saw Timothy's service as "a son with his father". Not too long ago a son would join his father in the company business and learned from him. Jesus worked in his father's carpenter shop and learned the trade from him. The son learned the trade the hard way, by doing all the jobs no matter how unpleasant they might be. The smart ones did it willingly knowing that it was their future and they had to learn to do it well. This is the kind of person Paul talked about earlier in 2:4, a person not focused on himself.
Epaphroditus is given three very significant titles; "brother", "fellow worker", and "fellow soldier". This should be enough to make anyone happy with the job they were doing. The question comes to mind about my work in the community of Christ. Is it team building or self centered? Am I am "brother" a "fellow" or a thorn?
Just why he was sent to Paul is unknown but he may have been chosen as reliable to carry some gift or supplies that Paul needed. It may not have been a very glorious job but he did it completely, even when he was very sick. He was even distressed that those back in the home church had heard about his illness and were anxious for him. He should have Twittered when he felt better.
Verse 28 tells us that the people back home must have really liked him. He may not have been their leader or even someone that had potential leadership but he was trustworthy and respected.
Verse 29 tells them, and us, to "honour men like him". There are a lot more behind the scenes workers than starts and they are the real heroes according to Paul.
Just a bit of people watching in Philippians that brings some worthy thoughts to mind.
Ted Robbins
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