Ministry

Philippians 2:25-30 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
 
PAUL has just affirmed Timothy’s work. Now he speaks of another servant to the Lord named Epaphroditus. This is Scripture’s only reference to Epaphroditus. Still, in one long phrase (a trait of Paul’s writing style), we learn a good deal about him. He was Paul’s brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier in Jesus Christ. Epaphroditus was also Philippi’s  messenger the church sent to take care of (Paul’s) needs. These are good things to know of someone, aren’t they? What better legacy can a man leave to his family and his church than to be listed with these godly characteristics?
    Let’s consider how Epaphroditus came to this place in his life. First, Jesus proclaimed the gospel. Then the Holy Spirit transformed lives to be born again in Christ. The Spirit also empowered the church to believe and preach the good news. The good news came to Paul to change him into a passionate apostle. Paul obeyed Jesus’ command to make new disciples. Paul went to Philippi, and God arranged for Lydia to meet the apostle one Sabbath day.
    The Spirit moved in Lydia to receive Christ. A church began in her home. And one day a new person seeking God came into that church. Or perhaps members of the church were evangelizing the gospel in Philippi. In the Lord’s plan, the Good News reached Epaphroditus’ ears and changed his heart. He became a disciple and grew in faith to love the Lord Jesus.
    Epaphroditus learned that loving God means serving him, even leaving your home sometimes to care for others. The church sent this messenger to care for Paul’s needs. In essence, Epaphroditus traveled to Rome to minister to Paul.      He fulfilled his mission well. Paul and Epaphroditus grew to a close unity in Jesus. They became brothers in Christ, fellow workers and fellow soldiers in Christ.  
    This work came at a cost to Epaphroditus. He became sick and almost died. But the Lord spared him. Now it is time to return to Philippi. Epaphroditus’ work goes on as he continues his role as messenger to take Paul’s letter to Philippi. Certainly, Epaphroditus will continue to serve the church as God directs and empowers him to serve.
    In this short scripture is a view of the church in action. God has moved. He forms a church. One member is highlighted. All the church is involved. The gospel is preached and lived through faithful disciples.
    We all are to be as Epaphroditus – a brother/sister in Christ, a fellow worker with others and a soldier to battle sin. In our gifts we are to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. What would change in your church if you looked at each other with this unified view?
 
Joy Link: Fellow workers serving one another in Christ.