Word@Work Phil25 - Philippians 2:25
Published: Wed, 10/28/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOSPEL CARE
Phil. 2:25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (NIV)
Gospel words and loving care should not be separated. Epaphroditus had come from Philippi with gifts to sustain Paul during imprisonment (see Phil. 4:18). In modern terms, he might appear to be an aid worker; but he came with a heart for the Lord, the commission of the church (he must have been trusted to convey valuables), and a genuine concern for the apostle. However, the heart of this man is revealed by Paul as his 'brother', 'fellow-worker' and 'fellow-soldier'.
The word, 'brother', says that he was a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, not a cultural believer (there was no Christian culture in those days; indeed Christianity was definitely counter-cultural) but one whose life was at risk for the sake of the gospel. Hence 'fellow-soldier': he fully identified with the imprisoned apostle and understood the rigours of the spiritual battles around them ... how they must have prayed together! And that was not all: house arrest allowed Paul to welcome visitors who came to hear the gospel, and Epaphroditus was clearly involved in gospel ministry too as a 'fellow-worker'.
In the Bible, there is no such thing as 'just an aid-worker', any more than 'only an evangelist'. Although the pastor, teacher or evangelist must not be sidetracked from their main tasks, uncaring or loveless ministry is a mockery of the gospel. Likewise, those involved in 'mercy ministries' must not assume that care is the horizon on their service for God: all are called to bear verbal witness to Christ, and to be ready with a gospel response to the question, "Why do you care?" That kind of integrated ministry should be a normal part of every believer's lifestyle and visible in the office, hotel, workshop or market. We are all intended to wear God's love, share God's care and bear testimony to God's gospel: this trio of responsibilities are for us all; the ratio of particular activities is at the Lord's command.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for those who have shown me kindness, because they love You. Thank You for those who explained the gospel to me so that I could belong to You. Help me to be so full of Your love that I will be eager to show mercy to the need I see, and to be ready to explain the gospel to those who want to hear. And help me in my workplace, as well as in my home community, to serve Your purposes in other people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Gospel words and loving care should not be separated. Epaphroditus had come from Philippi with gifts to sustain Paul during imprisonment (see Phil. 4:18). In modern terms, he might appear to be an aid worker; but he came with a heart for the Lord, the commission of the church (he must have been trusted to convey valuables), and a genuine concern for the apostle. However, the heart of this man is revealed by Paul as his 'brother', 'fellow-worker' and 'fellow-soldier'.
The word, 'brother', says that he was a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, not a cultural believer (there was no Christian culture in those days; indeed Christianity was definitely counter-cultural) but one whose life was at risk for the sake of the gospel. Hence 'fellow-soldier': he fully identified with the imprisoned apostle and understood the rigours of the spiritual battles around them ... how they must have prayed together! And that was not all: house arrest allowed Paul to welcome visitors who came to hear the gospel, and Epaphroditus was clearly involved in gospel ministry too as a 'fellow-worker'.
In the Bible, there is no such thing as 'just an aid-worker', any more than 'only an evangelist'. Although the pastor, teacher or evangelist must not be sidetracked from their main tasks, uncaring or loveless ministry is a mockery of the gospel. Likewise, those involved in 'mercy ministries' must not assume that care is the horizon on their service for God: all are called to bear verbal witness to Christ, and to be ready with a gospel response to the question, "Why do you care?" That kind of integrated ministry should be a normal part of every believer's lifestyle and visible in the office, hotel, workshop or market. We are all intended to wear God's love, share God's care and bear testimony to God's gospel: this trio of responsibilities are for us all; the ratio of particular activities is at the Lord's command.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for those who have shown me kindness, because they love You. Thank You for those who explained the gospel to me so that I could belong to You. Help me to be so full of Your love that I will be eager to show mercy to the need I see, and to be ready to explain the gospel to those who want to hear. And help me in my workplace, as well as in my home community, to serve Your purposes in other people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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