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The Situation with Epaphroditus
As I mentioned on our first day in Philippians, this is a letter that doesn't involve a whole lot of historical background. Today's reading, however, does have some context to it (which can be mostly understood from the passage alone). Paul encourages the Philippians to look to godly examples such as Timothy, then mentions Epaphroditus - most likely as an example of godliness in suffering. Steve Runge explains:
"As in 2:19–24, this section has an extended series of supporting statements introduced by for. Each one serves to strengthen some aspect of what precedes, but often it’s a sidebar when it comes to advancing the main idea. All of this information explains the circumstances behind Epaphroditus’ premature return home. More importantly, these supporting statements direct the Philippians in how they ought to process the situation and how to receive him back. Has he failed? Could something more have been done? Was it worth sending him in the first place? Who knows what kinds of thoughts were floating around in his home church. Paul’s strategy is to demonstrate how one thing has lead to the next, affirming that Epaphroditus has by no means failed, nor is he being disavowed by Paul. His return is as much for Paul’s sake as that of the Philippians’, and they should hold him and others like him in high regard." [1]
The Situation with Epaphroditus
As I mentioned on our first day in Philippians, this is a letter that doesn't involve a whole lot of historical background. Today's reading, however, does have some context to it (which can be mostly understood from the passage alone). Paul encourages the Philippians to look to godly examples such as Timothy, then mentions Epaphroditus - most likely as an example of godliness in suffering. Steve Runge explains:
"As in 2:19–24, this section has an extended series of supporting statements introduced by for. Each one serves to strengthen some aspect of what precedes, but often it’s a sidebar when it comes to advancing the main idea. All of this information explains the circumstances behind Epaphroditus’ premature return home. More importantly, these supporting statements direct the Philippians in how they ought to process the situation and how to receive him back. Has he failed? Could something more have been done? Was it worth sending him in the first place? Who knows what kinds of thoughts were floating around in his home church. Paul’s strategy is to demonstrate how one thing has lead to the next, affirming that Epaphroditus has by no means failed, nor is he being disavowed by Paul. His return is as much for Paul’s sake as that of the Philippians’, and they should hold him and others like him in high regard." [1]
(click to enlarge)
Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to serve Paul, but is being sent back to them. Most likely some considered his "mission" to be a failure, but Paul not only affirms the success of the mission and service, but holds Epaphroditus up as an example of working and living for the Lord.
Who do you look up to as an example of service to God?
Who do you look up to as an example of service to God?
[1] Steven E. Runge, High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2011), Php 2:25–30.
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