The Work Of Christ

The Work of Christ (Philippians 2:25–30, ESV)

"I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow 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.

This is how Paul described about the church at Philippi: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” (2 Corinthians 8:2–4, ESV)

The Philippian church was going through a severe trial of affliction and was also suffering from extreme poverty. Nevertheless, they were filled with joy and gave to others with a generous heart. They gave voluntarily, even beyond their means, and earnestly begged for the opportunity to share in helping the saints. How can we explain such a reality? Because their hearts were filled with Christ, they lived the life of heaven even in the midst of great trials and poverty. They lived lives that revealed the love of Christ.

Also, in Philippians 1:3, the apostle Paul says that he gives thanks to God every time he remembers the Philippian believers and always prays for them with joy. Why? In verse 5, he says it is because they have been "partners in the gospel from the first day until now," and in verse 7, he adds that whether Paul is in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of them share in God’s grace with him. That is why Paul always remembers them with thanksgiving and joy when he prays for them.

But think about how extensively Paul traveled throughout the continents of Europe and Asia for his evangelistic mission. In those days, there was no internet, no phone, no telegrams—not even a functioning postal system like we have today. So how could the believers know where Paul was? Probably Paul did his best to send news of himself, but the Philippian believers also made every effort to find out how Paul was doing and continued to help him.

Of course, not every church was like the Philippian church. Paul himself confesses that when he left Macedonia, the only church that partnered with him in giving and receiving was the Philippian church. (Philippians 4:15–16) Once again, the Philippians had discovered Paul’s situation as he suffered in prison and sent generous support along with Epaphroditus. Paul says, “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied.” (Philippians 4:18)

Now think about Epaphroditus. He left behind his family and work, crossing mountains and seas to travel 700 miles on a dangerous journey to Rome. But why did the Philippian church send only one person on such a perilous journey? Perhaps because they were so poor that they decided to save on travel expenses and instead send more financial support to Paul. Epaphroditus did not go on this long and harsh journey to a vacation destination for rest and enjoyment. He went to bring the offering to Paul, who was imprisoned and suffering, and to ease his pain and care for him. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way—or perhaps after arriving in Rome while caring for Paul—Epaphroditus became ill. Verse 27 says he was so sick he nearly died. Today, with antibiotics and advanced medical treatments, most illnesses can be cured. But 2,000 years ago, falling sick often meant a much higher chance of death. So God had mercy on him and healed him.

Why were the Philippian church and Epaphroditus able to continue showing such constant love, concern, and devoted care for Paul? Let’s go back to Philippians 1:3:

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.