For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Summary: This passage opens a window into Paul’s reason for writing the Philippians and the care and concern the early believers had for each other.
The voice of the letter is Paul’s, and so far in this letter, he has been instructing the Philippians (and us!) about Christian life. Now, for a moment, his thoughts settle on how he can reach out to the Philippians in a more personal way.
At first, he writes about his hope of sending Timothy to them (Philippians 2:19-23). Then, in the next verse, he mentions his hope that he might be able to come himself (Philippians 2:24). These are things he “hopes” to do, but apparently are contingent on other things beyond Paul’s control.
Finally, he comes to Epaphroditus.
This is not something outside of Paul’s control. He could send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians, although it sounds like Paul is reluctant to let him go. However, there are extenuating circumstances.
Epaphroditus is homesick.
Maybe not as homesick as a little kid who has been at summer camp too long, but he is clearly missing his family and friends back in Philippi.
There is another interesting tidbit of information in this verse.
Paul writes that Epaphroditus “… is distressed because you heard he was ill.”
That means someone was around when Epaphroditus was sick and then either sent a letter to Philippi or travelled there personally, letting them know he was ill. As we have discussed earlier, this was not a short trip. Three to six weeks of walking and traveling by ship would be needed to get from Rome to Philippi.
Then, someone made the trip back to Rome to tell Paul and Epaphroditus and their companions that his friends and family in Philippi had heard he was sick. No doubt they sent messages of concern for his well-being.
Epaphroditus wants to assure his people in Philippi that he is okay. He doesn’t want them to worry. But getting word back to Philippi is not easy. Epaphroditus is torn between wanting to stay and serve Paul on the one hand, and on the other, return home and comfort his brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is possible that part of the reason for Paul’s letter was to do just that: provide news and comfort to Epaphroditus’ family and friends.
Application: Paul’s concern for Epaphroditus and the Philippians is a model for us.
Food for Thought: What means does God give us for dealing with our concerns for others when they are far away?
What means does God give us for dealing with our concerns for others when they are far away?
God has given us His Holy Spirit to bridge the gap. We are united through Christ and connected through his Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
We can pray and continue to pray for their spiritual health.
Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
When we hear or learn of things that trouble us, we can turn to the Holy Spirit in prayer on their behalf; when we hear or learn of things to rejoice on their behalf, we can rejoice in His Spirit. I find, letting someone know that you are constantly praying for them lets them know that you are thinking of them, you are concerned for them, and you are asking God to intervene on their behalf. It bonds the two people together in His Spirit. When we see God moving on our requests, it strengthens the bond between the Spirit and the two parties.
Colossians 2:1-5 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Thank you, Chris!
Great point!
What means does God give us for dealing with our concerns for others when they are far away?
PSALM 62:8, Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Ephesians 6:18, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
All believers have become children of God. We now find our comfort and strength in knowing our Heavenly Father is well aware of our every thought, hears every request and is the ultimate power behind every event in the lives of all His children. We simply take our concerns to Him, and place our trust His decision regarding the outcome as we focus on the work he has placed before us.
Ron,
Thank you! Trust and Peace — they go hand in hand, don’t they? 🙂
Thanks for the devotion and the excellent comments CH – as per usual.
I don’t have much to add that CH hasn’t already covered. Besides the prayer and the Holy Spirit, we have the wisdom and comfort of God’s word and we have His promises for us and others. We also have the community of faith.
Another gift (often seen as a curse) is the ability to connect with others via phone, email, text, social media. I just checked on a young adult I was concerned about serving on a mission in Kosovo. I used the WhatsApp. These are all tools which can be used for God’s purposes and glory.
My summation is that God is a good provider. He has given us tools to mutually encourage each other and connect with others – even through distance.
Thank you, Rich!
I can appreciate the “blessing and curse” you mention of our modern social media. Thank God, through God, “all things work to good!”