Philippians 2:19-30

The way many people see Philippians 2:19-30 is that Paul is doing something similar to many preachers who say, "And one more thing . . ." and then preach for another twenty minutes. But I don't see Paul as the typical Baptist preacher. I think this pause is intentional. I don't think it was an early ending and then Paul had more ideas and kept writing.

Paul is sending two people to the Philippians, and he's explaining why he's sending them. They are, as Bishop Wright says, "working models" of what Paul has been teaching. They think like Jesus. They understand the gospel, it's meaning, and they're practicing it. They are humble and they are living in this new Jesus way.

While these verses may not be the most exciting, they help us to piece together the story of what's going on.

Around the year 55 or 56 AD, Paul is in prison--likely in Ephesus. During that time, Paul wrote this letter. Timothy will hand-deliver this letter to the Philippians and he will bring news of Paul's trial. Paul mentions that he's hopeful that he will be released and will follow soon after Timothy.

Paul feels a deep connection with these people. He feels their lives are connected. He cares. And Timothy cares. That's the mark of a pastor. In addition to caring, Timothy knows the gospel is the top priority. And because the gospel matters, the work of the church matters.

Epaphroditus brought the gift of money to Paul. Along the way he got sick and it slowed his journey. Because the trip took so long, Paul knows there may be some suspicions. As we read Paul's letters, we see he's sensitive about money. But he wants to make it very clear that Ephaphroditus is loyal and trustworthy.

Verse 27 tells us Ephroditus was so ill that he almost died. Surely Paul prayed for him and laid hands on him. This tells us some important things: Prayer isn't about getting what we want instantly. Paul knows sometimes healing is immediate, sometimes it's a process, and sometimes it doesn't happen on this side of heaven.

And did you notice how verse 28 ends? ". . . I may have less anxiety." Even Paul, a hero of the faith, had anxiety. I think this shows us that we can't just switch off anxiety. It takes work. And we have to find a way to embrace emotions with faith.

Let's end with some application questions:

• Are you being nurtured in the faith by someone? 
• Are you nurturing anyone?
• Where do you need to experience God's mercy?
• God is calling for loyalty in every area of our lives. What do you need to surrender to him?