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A Three-Fold Commendation (Phil. 2:25) A look at the type of man Paul describes as an example for us in Epaphroditus. |
A Three-Fold Commendation (Phil. 2:25)
Epaphroditus is set forth as an example of a person worthy of marking and imitating in our lives (Phil. 3:17); his name means lovely and it certainly fits the man Paul describes.
- He was a brother – indicates fellowship in Christ
- As Christians we are part of the same family (Eph. 2:19).
- He had encouraged them to help one another (2:1-5) and here was a great example of such as he helped Paul (2:25, 4:18) and cared for others (2:26-28).
- We are to follow the same example (cf. John 15:12; Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:22).
- He was a companion in labor – a worker
- A diligent, zealous worker even to the point of making him sick unto death (V30).
- We should not be content to let our brothers do all the work (Titus 2:14); work together in God’s work (1 Cor. 3:9-11).
- This makes us fellowlaborers operating together much like a body (cf. 1 Thess 3:2; Phile. 1:1; 1 Cor. 12:12-27).
- He was a fellowsoldier – a fighter
- We don’t just need workers, we also need fighters; those who will stand up with us and defend the faith.
- Think of those who worked with Nehemiah—building with one hand, ready to defend with the other (Neh. 4:17-18).
- We are soldiers in a spiritual warfare (2 Tim. 2:3) who need to be fighting together (Phil. 1:27; Eph. 6:10-17; Jude 3).
- Then all can look back having fought the good fight of faith and longing for that crown (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
