Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother…
Summary: Paul’s reference to Epaphroditus as a “brother” is a good excuse to consider what it means to be part of God’s family.
Paul has given Epaphroditus several titles. It might be useful to take a closer look at each one and see what we can learn from them.
The first title given to Epaphroditus is “Brother.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:25 Part II – Brother”
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
Summary: When people care for you, they want to be with you when you are hurting.
A neighbor I know recently was notified that her son had been in a motorcycle accident. She lives in a small town in the Northwest, and her son lives in Texas. Within hours, she was on a jet headed to Texas to be with her son. She ended up staying for nearly three months while he recovered.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:25 – The Perfect Choice”
And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Summary: Paul’s simple statement about his confidence in the Lord gives us a reason to have confidence in Jesus, too.
I have to admire Paul’s confidence.
Here he is, at least four years into an unjustified imprisonment, confident that he will be released soon.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:24 – God’s-Eye View”
I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.
Summary: Waiting to see how things go requires patience. Looking closely at Paul’s story reveals a man who had learned to wait.
In this passage, Paul appears to be waiting on some news. He has mentioned that he is in chains (Philippians 1:7), suggesting that he is in prison or house arrest. Maybe he is waiting on his court date?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:23 – How Things Go”
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Summary: Timothy’s work for the Gospel of Jesus is revealed in Paul’s praise for his faithfulness as a son.
Each of us has a different idea of what a father is supposed to be. I sincerely hope that your situation includes a father who loves you and wants the best for you.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:22 – To Advance the Gospel”
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest”
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
Summary: In this passage, we have to peek behind the curtain of the translation to capture the sense of what Paul is really saying.
Timothy must have been someone very special.
I think it is a tremendous testimony that the Christian brothers who surrounded Paul understood what he meant.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:20 – Spiritual Twins”
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Summary: Life in ancient times lacked the mass communication we take for granted. To share news and ideas required patience and planning.
This passage is a bit challenging to meditate on because it deals primarily with what is called “housekeeping.” Paul is sending a letter to the Philippians, but his reference to Timothy suggests that letters were a means of last resort in sending information.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:19 – Communication”
I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Summary: Paul’s gladness puts all of our complaints in perspective when we consider that he is in chains while writing his letter.
To put this passage into context, we have to look back to the beginning of Paul’s paragraph. His thought begins with these words:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17b-18 – Paul’s Plan”
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith…
Summary: Paul’s comment about being “poured out” makes us wonder why he sacrificed what he did.
The passage that comes to mind as I read this verse comes from Genesis. It is a brief glimpse into the life of Jacob after he has returned to the land of Canaan from Paddan Aram where he met and married his wives.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17a – Wine and Rock”