Characters and Characteristics of Phil. 2:19-30

1. Jesus Christ is the leading character in the drama of redemption. All true believers know that He is their dependable trustworthy Savior and Lord. Paul put his hope (vs. 19, 23) and trust (v. 24) in Him.

2. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, living in his own rented quarters (Acts 28:30, 31), teaching all who come to him, and expecting to be released. From indications in his letters he was released and went on another missionary journey, after which he was arrested again, placed in chains and executed by Nero. He wanted to see his Philippian brothers and sisters, whom he loved. They also loved him and had been very good to him, sending aid a number of times. In his absence, he communicated with them through his faithful helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Paul was confined, his spirit was free. He couldn’t go on a mission journey to convert people but he could convert the prison guards and members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). He acknowledges the church’s gift by saying, “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent…” (4:18). Somehow the church had learned that their good brother Epaphroditus had been ill, and it stressed Paul to know that they had been burdened by the news. To Paul he was a fellow worker and fellow soldier; to the Philippians he was a faithful brother, a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. Paul was anxious for them all. If Epaphroditus could make it to Philippi before Timothy, he would be encouraged because the church could stop worrying about him. Paul wrote, “I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice.” And he wrote for his own benefit, saying, “...and I might be less concerned about you.” Paul had needs but he was more concerned about the needs of others than himself. He suffers but he didn’t complain. Under these circumstances he wrote this letter of fidelity courage and joy.

3. Timothy is with Paul. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope therefore to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall be coming shortly” ( 19-24). Timothy would travel to Philippi but he would wait to see how Paul’s case came out in court. This way he could give the church an update on Paul’s circumstances and bring back to Paul a report on the church. Meanwhile Paul would send Epaphroditys, who had recovered from a serious illness and was anxious to return to his church. He would send Timothy later, in the hope of receiving a good report from the church. Timothy was a model of loyalty and service. While others got involved in other things, (“Demos has deserted me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10)”) etc., Timothy was as devoted as a son to Paul and as loyal to Christ.

4. Epaphroditus “I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you might rejoice and I may be less concerned about you…” (25-30). Faithful servants of Christ always seek after the interests of Christ and their fellow servants.

5. The saints at Philippi V. 29, 30-“Thereefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men.” Can’t you imagine the church having a Sunday service with their good brother Epaphroditus, who had almost died serving them? He had been with Paul and is now giving his report. Can’t you imagine the questions they are asking? “How is Paul? Is there any chance that he will come soon?” Is he well? Is he being mistreated? We have never stopped praying for him. We’re glad you got our gift to him. Epaphroditus answers their questions and tells them all about Paul. I suspect they had a long prayer and praise session, shed some tears, and rejoiced in a long worship service. Faithful servants of Christ work and pray together. Lord Jesus, teach us to be concerned about your interests and to care for one another. Give us the courage to stand together for the truth, even under hardships.

Thus you have the characters and characteristics of Philippians 3:19-30.