brother – Three Minute Bible

September 2, 2025September 2, 2025

Philippians 2:26 – Homesick

Illustration of a heart with a bandaid on it (Pixabay)

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.

August 29, 2025August 29, 2025

Philippians 2:25 Part II – Brother

Picture of two small brothers in the park (Pixabay)

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.”

October 10, 2022October 11, 2022

Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part V

Brother

… and he began to teach them.

Summary: The word “brother” carries a special meaning. A brother is different than a father. Understanding this difference helps us understand who Jesus is.

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020

1 Peter 3:8 (c) — Oil on the Water

Picture: Oil droplets in blue green water.

… love one another …

Summary: Peter tells us to love one another using a rare word that means ‘brotherly love.’ This kind of love is not caught up in arguments but is the oil on the water that calms arguments. It allows brothers and sisters in the same family to get along.