Paul – Page 5 – 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.

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025

Philippians 2:25 Part IV – Fellow Soldier

Picture of WWII soldier on battlefield (Pixabay)

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my … fellow soldier…

Summary: Paul calls Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier.” When we consider what this means, we wonder about the war such soldiers fight.

When we think of Christians, the first thing to come to mind is almost anything but “soldier.” The word “soldier” connotes fighting and war. Being a Christian is supposed to be all about “love.” So what do the two have in common?

August 30, 2025September 1, 2025

Philippians 2:25 Part III – Co-Worker

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my … co-worker…

Summary: In this meditation, we look at Paul’s use of the word “synergós.” Considering what we know of Paul’s work for the Lord, we gain some insight into Epaphroditus’s work, too.

The Greek word Paul used for “co-worker” is “synergós.” As you may have already guessed, “synergós” is one of the roots of our word for “synergy.”

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.”

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025

Philippians 2:25 – The Perfect Choice

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.

August 27, 2025August 27, 2025

Philippians 2:24 – God’s-Eye View

King Uzziah opposes the priests in the Temple. (Grok)

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.

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

Philippians 2:23 – How Things Go

Draw a picture of Paul sitting on a stone floor facing Jesus, the risen Christ. Paul's old head is bowed and his hands are uplifted, palms up. He is in prayer.

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?

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025

Philippians 2:22 – To Advance the Gospel

Picture of an old-time newsboy selling a paper with the headline "Advance the Gospel!" (Grok)

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.

August 22, 2025August 24, 2025

Philippians 2:20 – Spiritual Twins

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.

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025

Philippians 2:19 – Communication

Paul dictates while a scribe works on his letter in the background (Grok)

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.