Philippians Contains Many Important Admonitions to Saints Love to abound “in knowledge and judgment,” Philippians 1:9. Approve things excellent, be “filled with the fruits of righteousness,” Phil. 1:10,11. Conduct becoming the Gospel, Phil. 1:27. “Likeminded,”…have the mind that “was also in Christ,” Phil. 2:5-8. “Work out your own salvation,” Phil. 2:12

Philippians 2:19-30 – like a “time out,” to focus on two Bible Characters Timothy and Epaphroditus Generally, one would expect such information to appear at the end of the book. There is good reason for it to appear at this spot. – Had talked about proper conduct, Phil. 1:27. – Had stressed unity, of likemindedness, 2:2,3. – Had stressed the importance of “work,” 2:16.

Observation: Now in the midst of these important exhortations Paul mentioned two brothers in Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus, two men who seemed to be the very epitome of the kind of people he was exhorting the saints at Philippi to be. As we live “the Christian life” we need to focus on biblical exhortations; we also need worthy examples of people who demonstrated those character qualities, and proved that it can be done!

The Good Example of Timothy, Philippians 1:19-24 Why Paul was sending Timothy to Philippi, Philippians 2: The Character of Timothy, Phil. 2: Further explanation for sending Timothy to Philippi, Philippians 2:23-34

The Good Example of Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:25-30 Paul’s Description of Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:25. Paul’s reasons for sending Epaphroditus to Philippi, Philippians 2:26-30.

Thoughts Concerning Timothy, viewed from other Scriptures: He was Paul’s “son in the faith,” I Tim. 1:2. Lois his grandmother, Eunice his mother, 2 Timothy 1:15. Had known the Scriptures “from a child,” 2 Timothy 3:15. From Lystra, mixed family background, Acts 16:1,2. He joined Paul on his “second missionary journey,” Acts 16:3; 17:14,15.

Thoughts Concerning Timothy -- continued Had received a “gift” through the laying on of Paul’s hands, 2 Timothy 1:6. Name associated with Paul in several New Testament Books: 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, I and 2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Two of Paul’s letters addressed to Timothy. Prior to being executed, Paul called for Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:9,21.

How Timothy was Described in our Text, Philippians 2: As being “likeminded, who will naturally care for your state,” Phil. 2:20. “As a Son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel,” Phil. 2:22 Hence, Paul was sending Timothy to Philippi: – He wanted to “know” their “state,” Phil. 2:19. – Because of his proven character, Phil. 2:20. – Because of his past record, Phil. 2:22.

Paul’s Plans Further Stated: He hoped to Send Timothy “so soon as I shall see how it will go with me,” Phil. 2:24. – Paul was in prison; he was not sure what would be the ultimate outcome. Paul trusted that he also would be able to “come shortly,” Phil. 2:24. – If he was released from prison Paul wanted to re- visit the saints at Philippi.

Thoughts Concerning Epaphroditus His Name: -- means “favorite of Aphrodite.” – Not mentioned in any other N.T. book! Epaphroditus Described, Philippians 2: – “My brother, “ (in Christ), Phil. 2:25. – “Companion in labor” or “fellow worker,” 2:25. – “And fellow soldier,” Phil. 2:25. – “Your messenger,” Phil. 2:25; 4:18. – “He…ministered to my wants” (“need,” NKJV), Phil. 2:25.

Other Facts about Epaphroditus “He longed after you all, and was full of heaviness” (“distress,” NKJV), Phil. 2:26. Had been “sick nigh unto death,” 2:27,30. He loved his brethren, Phil. 2:26. Paul was sending him back to Philippi: – So the saints there could rejoice, Phil. 2:28. – So Paul could be “less sorrowful,” Phil. 2:28. – Hence, they were to receive him with gladness and hold him in esteem, Phil. 2:29,30.

Some Lessons to be Learned: Christians ought to love one another! – Consider Paul – willing to deprive self of Timothy’s companionship to learn the “state” of his brethren at Philippi. – Consider Timothy – would “naturally care” for his brethren. – Consider Epaphroditus – had risked his life to provide for their “lack of service toward” Paul, Phil. 2:30 Young People can be very productive in the Lord’s work. (Illustrated by example of Timothy)

Lessons to be Learned (con’t) People with a Pagan Background can be very productive in the Lord’s work. Miracles of Healing were seldom performed for selfish purposes, Philippians 2:27. Faithful Christians must be: – Brothers and sisters, Philippians 2:25. – Fellow workers, Philippians 2:25. – Fellow soldiers, Philippians 2:25.

Conclusion: Upon reading the inspired description of both Timothy and Epaphroditus, one has to be favorably impressed with their character. But how do you account for their character? – They were Christians; they had obeyed the gospel; They evidenced what the gospel can do in the hearts and lives of people! – But the gospel must be obeyed! I Peter 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.