The Place to Be #50

Philippians 2:25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

As we have seen, Paul is making every effort to let the church at Philippi know that not only is he okay with being in prison, but that he joyfully understands that God is still very much at work through him. He realizes that this letter will help, but that the personal touch is needed.  Since he cannot come immediately, he plans to send Timothy, his right hand man, but even that will not be immediate, so he would be sending Epaphroditus back to them with this letter and firsthand testimony of how Paul was doing.  The church was also concerned about him and his health, so there was even more reason to send him back quickly. This too would be a sacrifice on Paul's part, as Epaphroditus had been a great comfort and encouragement to him, but they needed him more.  Once again, the bottom line is "how can I increase fellow believers' joy. May that question resonate in our hearts and minds today.