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.
Summary: This passage provides another insight into Epaphroditus’s adventure and Paul’s feelings for his brother in Christ.
By now, it feels like we know Epaphroditus personally. He comes from Philippi, and he is devoted to the Lord. Because of his love for the Lord, he has given himself to serve both the church at Philippi and Paul.
He didn’t plan on dying when he decided to travel to Rome. That said, he knew the risks. Life in those days was difficult.
When he arrives, he shares the messages and gifts that he had brought with him. Then, he stayed with Paul to help with his daily needs.
We don’t know how long he was there with Paul, but as mentioned earlier, there had been time for news of Epaphroditus’s illness to travel to Philippi and back (Philippians 2:26). This suggests that he had been with Paul at least three or four months by the time Paul wrote his letter.
During his stay, he became ill, and as Paul writes, “almost died.” We do not know what caused the illness, and it doesn’t really matter. In those days, there were no antibiotics or other modern medicines. That is not to say that they didn’t have medicines! Only that whatever they had would be limited when compared to our modern drugs. Whatever it was, Epaphroditus was near death.
This is where Paul reveals his deep concern for Epaphroditus. God had mercy on him and spared his life. Imagine the pain Paul would have suffered if Epaphroditus had died! Not only would he have lost a friend and a brother, but it sounds like his heart would have broken in half if he had had to tell the Philippians their brother Epaphroditus was dead!
The relief at Epaphroditus’s recovery must have been immense. Obviously, Epaphroditus was glad to be feeling better, but Paul, too, was glad for him… and for himself.
“Sorrow upon sorrow” sounds like it is almost too much to bear.
Paul’s life had gone from being on a fast track to worldly success in his youth to being called by the Lord to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Now, near the end of his career in the service of Christ, Paul is an old man, physically tired, and physically chained for the Gospel.
It brings to mind the words of Christ when the Lord explains his choice of Paul to be his “instrument” to proclaim the Gospel. He said, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).
Sorrow upon sorrow, indeed.
Application: Spiritual service in the Kingdom of God is not measured in terms of worldly success.
Food for Thought: How does Paul measure God’s grace in this situation?
How does Paul measure God’s grace in this situation?
In this passage I believe Paul is speaking to how the grace that God gives is for all of us and to each of us, and as the Body of Christ, the grace given affects all of us together. Quite realistically, grace given to one affects another. I believe this because Jesus is the living grace of God, He lives with us, and binds us together. So I think the “measure” is “spilling over.”
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I look at Daniel; he was saved in the lion’s den by God’s grace. That same grace for Daniel spilled over in the heart of King Darius:
Daniel 6:25-27 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,
for he is the living God,
enduring forever;
his kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion shall be to the end.
He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
he who has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
Thank you, Chris!
You raise an important point. Do we have enough of God’s grace in our lives? Almost enough? Or, as you point out, is it “spilling over?”
God’s supply of Grace is limitless!
How does Paul measure God’s grace in this situation?
Gods Grace, God’s favor toward the unworthy or His benevolence on the undeserving, knows no bounds
In Acts 20:7-12, A young man fell to his death and Paul was used by God to throw himself on his body and restored him to life.
Acts 20:10-11, Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.
Epaphroditus, was sent from the Philippian church to encourage Paul in his ministry. He brought gifts and supplies and provided companionship during a time of Pauls imprisonment.
Paul is writing this letter, knowing he is being held a prisoner of Rome and could be facing death or at the very least, serious repercussions. Instead of dwelling on his challenges, he focuses on the welfare of others, as we see Paul and possibly others calling upon God to restore Epaphroditus to health.
Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Very good, thanks
Thank you, Paul! 🙂
Ron,
I like how you point us to what Paul is focused on — others. In that sense, he is acting on behalf of his Lord Jesus.
Thank you!