BACKGROUND:
I threw out my back yesterday. It's hard to sit. I won't be writing much today.
Timothy was with Paul in Rome when Paul wrote this letter, although Timothy was not imprisoned. He had traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey when the church at Philippi was begun, so the Philippians knew Timothy. Paul could not visit the Philippians, thus he hoped to send Timothy on his behalf. Timothy had traveled to various churches as Paul’s representative at other times.
Epaphroditus would leave immediately and deliver Paul’s letter; then Timothy would arrive later after Paul learned the verdict of his trial. Paul hoped that in the meantime the Philippians would take to heart his call to unity in their church and would iron out their difficulties. Timothy would be able to see their progress and then could come back to Rome with news that would bring Paul good cheer.
Timothy genuinely cared about the Philippian believers because he had traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey when the church at Philippi had been begun. The phrase no one else like him literally means “no one of equal soul.” These words of praise reveal that Timothy had become a dependable coworker and friend.
This sentence could mean that Paul had spoken to others about possibly taking this trip to Philippi on his behalf, but all of them were more concerned for themselves than for what matters to Jesus Christ. Or Paul may not have been indicting his fellow Christians; rather, he may have been reflecting on the state of a selfish world where few truly selfless people can be found. More likely, Paul was using hyperbole. He could not have meant that Luke, Titus, and other disciples cared only for themselves. Rather, he meant that Timothy cared so deeply that the concern of others paled by comparison. While many believers might express concern, too often they are too preoccupied with their own activities to act on that concern. Timothy was concerned for the Philippians’ welfare, and he was willing to act on the concern by dropping what he was doing in Rome to make the lengthy and tiring trip to Philippi. Once in Philippi, he might have to deal with problems in the church—certainly not an enviable task. Timothy’s willingness to go to Philippi reveals a spirit of selfless service. Here was a man who exemplified what it meant to put others’ interests ahead of his own.
Timothy had been with Paul during Paul’s ministry in Philippi. The Philippian church well knew Timothy’s value, sound character, and worthiness. The church knew that Timothy’s coming would be equal to that of the arrival of Paul himself, for Timothy had served with Paul like a son with his father. Paul and Timothy had developed a special bond; Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey. In the first century, the Greeks valued highly the service a son gave to his father. Yet Paul realized that both he and Timothy were servants of Jesus Christ; thus he wrote that Timothy had helped him in preaching the Good News across the empire.
Paul was in prison (awaiting his verdict) for preaching about Christ. He planned to send Timothy to Philippi and hoped to do so when he learned of the court’s decision. Even if Paul were to be released from prison, he would send Timothy to Philippi with the news, and then Paul would come to see them soon after.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
This passage really hits home for me this morning. What a joy it is as a pastor to have folks in our ministry that are faithful, reliable and trustworthy. Folks who, when you assign them a task or responsibility - follow through. You never worry about the mission being accomplished, because they have proven character.That's exactly what Timothy and
Epaphroditus were to Paul. They did what they committed to do. They followed through with what was requested/expected of them. They were completely trustworthy and responsible. Paul goes as far to say that -"I have no one else like them." Why does it seem so hard to find these types of people in the church today? What does it take to become a follow through, trustworthy person?
If you would, read Psalm 15 today. Ask God to help you become a person who helps others keep their oaths - their word - their commitments - even when it hurts. I love you guys. Stay faithful. Stay the course.
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