REJOICING IN COMMENDATION--Philippians 2:19-30

     Everyone likes to receive praise for work well done.  Christian schools generally have an annual awards night where students who have done especially well are commended.  It is a time of  rejoicing, REJOICING IN COMMENDATION. This thought is found in Philippians 2:19-30.  First, you will find:

I. TIMOTHY COMMENDED--vv. 19-24
     A. The Desire of  Paul--v. 19
          1. The basis
               a. Trust in the Lord
                    (I) Remember Paul is prison.
                    (II) Cf. James 4:15
               b. Needed to rely upon faithful men--"The fact that Paul had decided to send Timothy to Philippi was highly
                    significant.  Timothy had been one of  Paul's closest companions, and now Paul was going to send him away.
                    Since Paul was in prison at the time, this was an unselfish decision, for Paul surely craved the fellowship that
                    Timothy could provide.  But Paul saw no alternative but to send Timothy." (Good News, 10/76, 29)
          2. The reason
               a. To be comforted
                    (I) "At the time Paul wrote, he did not expect to wait long before sending Timothy to check on the Philippians.
                         Paul was uneasy as he wondered about the Philippians spiritual progress, and he planned to send Timothy
                         to them soon to bring back a report and put his mind at ease." (Ibid.)
                    (II) "He declares his affection towards them, in as much as he was so much concerned as to their dangers that
                         he was not at ease until he received accounts of  their prosperity."  (Calvin, 76)
               b. To know their condition
                    (I) Remember they did not have telephones or computers to call or e-mail to get an immediate report.
                    (II) "This gives us insight into the Apostle Paul.  He was concerned about the progress of  new Christians.
                         They were on his mind even though he himself was in a trial before the Roman court.  Paul did not enter an
                         area, proclaim the gospel, count converts and then leave the area without thinking of  the people again.
                         The main purpose of  Paul's second missionary journey was to revisit the areas where he had been to see
                         how the new Christians were doing (Acts 15:36).  Therefore, it was consistent with the Apostle Paul's life
                         that now he wanted. to learn more information about the Philippian believers so he could be at ease
                         concerning them." (Good News, 10/76, 29)
     B. The Reputation of  Timothy--vv. 20-22
          1. His mind--v. 20
               a. Likeminded
                    (I) Means of  like soul
                    (II) "Timothy was a non-such.  There were, no doubt, many good ministers, who were in care for the souls of
                         those for whom they preached; but none comparable to Timothy, a man of  an excellent spirit and tender
                         heart." (Henry, VI:736)
                    (III) "There was no one else equal to Timothy that Paul could send to Philippi to check on the Philippian
                         believers.  Since no one else was as qualified as Timothy, Paul chose to be without his close companion
                         for a time in order to learn about the Philippians." (Good News, 10/76, 29)
               b. Naturally care
                    (I) The word naturally means sincerely or genuinely, not in pretence.
                    (II) "It is best with us when our duty becomes in a manner natural to us.  Timothy was a genuine son of
                         blessed Paul, and walked in the same spirit and the same steps." (Henry, VI:736)
                    (III) "Note, 1. It is the duty of  ministers to care for the state of  their people and be concerned for their
                         welfare:  I seek not yours, but you, 2 Cor. xii. 14.  2. It is a rare thing to find one who does it naturally:
                         such a one is remarkable and distinguished among his brethren." (Ibid.; italics are his.)
          2. Others selfishness--v. 21
               a. Negatively considered
                    (I) "Was there so general a corruption among ministers so early that there was not one among them who
                         cared for the state of  their people?  We must not understand it so:  he means the generality; all, that is,
                         either the most, or all in comparison of  Timothy." (Ibid.; italics are his.)
                    (II) "Concerning this verse, commentators are usually quick to point out that Paul could not have been
                         referring to such people as Luke, who had rendered faithful service to Him.  This was a statement that
                         applied to Christians in general and especially to any who Paul might have wanted to send to Philippi
                         instead of  Timothy.  Rather than seeking that which furthered the cause of  Jesus Christ, they were guilty
                         of  seeking things which furthered their own cause.  In a word. they were selfish." (Good News, 10/76,
                         29)
                    (III) It can't be all exclusive because later Paul praises Epaphroditus in similar terms.
               b. Positively examined
                    (I) "Seeking our own interest to the neglect of  Jesus Christ is a very great sin and very common among
                         Christians and ministers.  Many prefer their own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty,
                         the things of  their own pleasure and reputation before the things of  Christ's kingdom and his honour and
                         interest in the world." (Henry, VI:736)
                    (II) "But Timothy was in great contrast to these other Christians; he put the things of  Christ before his own
                         interests.  With such quality of  soul, no wonder Paul willingly invested his life in discipling Timothy." (Good
                         News, 10/76, 29)
          3. His character--v. 22
               a. The proof
                    (I) Meaning--"'The test' as of  metals (II Cor. 2:9; 9:13). Three times they had seen Timothy (Acts 16:13;
                         19:22; 20:3f.)." (Robertson, IV:448)
                    (II) "Timothy was a man who had been tried, and had made full proof of  his ministry (2 Tim. iv. 5), and
                         was faithful in all that befel [sic] him.  All the churches with whom he had acquaintance knew the proof of
                         him.  He was a man as good as he seemed to be." (Henry, VI:736; italics are his.)
               b. The submission
                    (I) Timothy was willing to take second place.
                    (II) "At the present day, where will you find one among the you that will give way to his seniors, even in the
                         smallest thing to such an extent does impertinence triumphs and prevail in the present age!" (Calvin, 79)
               c. The service
                    (I) Timothy assisted Paul in the gospel.
                    (II) "Paul's delicacy of  feeling made him use" with "rather than" me "alone.  Timothy did not serve Paul."
                          (Robertson, IV:448; italics are his.)
                    (III) Assistant pastors, principals, etc., are not servants to the pastor, they are co-laborers.
     C. The Purpose of  Paul--vv. 23, 24
          1. I am sending Timothy--v. 23
               a. Paul hopes to send him soon--this is really a repetition of  verse 19.
               b. Paul was waiting to find out the outcome of  his situation.--"He was now a prisoner, and did not know what
                    would be the issue; but according as it turned, he would dispose of  Timothy." (Henry, VI:736)
          2. I hope to come soon--v. 24
               a. The hope--"He hoped he should soon be set at liberty, and be able to pay them a visit.  Paul desired his
                    liberty, not that he might take his pleasure, but that he might do good." (Ibid.)
               b. The basis
                    (I) Trust in the Lord.
                         (A) This is the second time he made this statement.
                         (B) cf. verse 19
                    (II) "Paul's whole life is centred [sic] in Christ (Gal. 2: 20)." (Robertson, IV:448)
                    (III) "He expresses his hope and confidence of  seeing them, with a humble dependence and submission to the
                         divine will." (Henry, VI:736)

II. EPHPHRODITUS PRAISED--vv. 25-30
     A. His Person--v. 25
          1. A brother
               a. His name
                    (I) A common one
                    (II) Only mentioned here
                    (III) means charming
               b. meaning
                    (I) "His Christian brother, to whom he bore a tender affection." (Ibid.)
                    (II) Speaks of  a common sympathy
          2. a worker
               a. "'Companion in labour,' or 'fellow worker' emphasized their oneness in sharing a common burden.  Both of
                    them desired to further the cause of  Christ.  Paul accomplished this by proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles,
                    whereas Epaphroditus's way was by being a servant at this time a servant to the Apostle Paul." (Good News,
                    12/76, 28)
               b. "Paul indicated by his statement in" Philippians 4:18 that the Philippians had earlier sent Epaphroditus to Rome,
                    bearing gifts for Paul from the church.  No doubt the church at Philippi intended for Epaphroditus to be
                    whatever help he could to the apostle during Paul's trial.  But as Paul now wrote to the Philippians, he said
                    'Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus’ (2:25).  Even though the Philippians had sent
                    Epaphroditus earlier to Paul, the apostle was now actually sending Epaphroditus back to them." (Ibid.)
          3. a soldier
               a. A spiritual warfare
                    (I) They had a common danger
                    (II) "'Fellowsoldiers emphasized that both Paul and Epaphroditus were engaged in spiritual warfare.  Paul was
                         fond of  using military terminology as an analogy to the Christian life, such as in Ephesians 6:11-17 and II
                         Timothy 2:3, 4.  He was intensely aware that a Christian is battling against the world, the flesh and the
                         Devil." (Ibid.)
               b. A described condition
                    (I) True of  ministers--"They are engaged in an incessant warfare, for Satan will not allow them to promote the
                         gospel without maintaining a conflict.  Let those, then, who prepare themselves for edifying the Church,
                         know that war is denounced against them, and prepared." (Calvin, 80)
                    (II) True of  all believers--"To be soldiers in the camp of  Christ, for, Satan is the enemy of  all." (Ibid.)
               c. "Am I a soldier of  the cross, A follower of  the Lamb, And shall fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His
                    name?  Sure I must fight, if  I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord; I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
                    Supported by thy word." (Isaac Watts, 1674-1748)
          4. A minister
               a. Their messenger
                    (I) The word is apostle--a sent one.
                    (II) He probably was their pastor.
               b. Their minister
                    (I) "Epaphroditus had been officially sent by the Philippians and had ministered to Paul during his Roman
                         imprisonment." (Good News, 12/76, 28)
                    (II) He may have come
                         (A) To consult with Paul about some church matters
                         (B) But certainly to bring a present for Paul's relief
     B. His Illness--vv. 26, 27
          1. Longed for the Philippians--v. 26a
               a. The meaning
                    (I) Longed
                         (A) An intense word
                         (B) "He was yearning after."
                    (II) Full of  heaviness
                         (A) To be anxious or distressed
                         (B) "It was more than Epaphroditus's being concerned about the Philippians; he was intensely burdened
                              for them." (Ibid.)
               b. The indication--"It is a sign of  a true pastor that while he was at a great distance, and was willingly detained
                    by a pious engagement, he was nevertheless affected with concern for his flock. and a longing after them; and
                    on learning that his sheep were distressed on his account, he was concerned as to their grief." (Calvin, 81)
          2. Sick unto death--vv. 26b, 27a
               a. The Philippians' concern --v. 26b
                    (I) "The Philippians were exceedingly sorry to hear of  his sickness.  They were full of  heaviness, as well as
                         he, upon the tidings of  it: for he was one, it seems, for whom they had a particular respect and affection,
                         and thought fit to choose out to send to the apostle." (Henry, VI:736)
                    (II) The natural concern of  brothers in Christ is evidenced here.
               b. His actual condition--v. 27a
                    (I) He was sick.
                         (A) He did become sick.
                         (B) Sickness is common to all, to good men and ministers as well.
                    (II) He almost died--"Epaphroditus was so ill that he nearly died.  In the light of  the emphasis today in some
                         theological circles on miraculous healing, it is interesting to observe that Epaphroditus was in the presence
                         of  the Apostle Paul, and yet there is no indication that Paul did anything miraculous in his behalf." (Good
                         News, 12/76, 29)
          3. Received mercy from God--v.27b
               a. Epaphroditus
                    (I) "Although Epaphroditus was at the point of  death, and there was apparently no human hope for him God
                         spared him." (Ibid.)
                    (II) All true healing is ultimately of  God; the Lord may use the means of  a doctor, or may heal directly.
               b. Paul
                    (I) God was merciful to Paul also--"The apostle owns it is a great mercy to himself, as well as to Epaphroditus
                         and others.  Though the church was blessed at that time with extraordinary gifts, they could even then ill
                         spare a good minister.  He was sensibly touched with the thoughts of  so great a loss." (Henry, VI:736)
                    (II) Did not have extra sorrow
                         (A) "The accusative implies motion.  Sorrow coming upon sorrow as wave after wave." (Vincent, III:441;
                              italics are his.)
                         (B) "If Epaphroditus would have died in addition to Paul's problems of  imprisonment he would have
                              experienced sorrow for this one who had been a 'brother' (v.25).  This would have been 'sorrow upon
                              sorrow' (v. 27) for the apostle." (Good News, 12/76, 29)
     C. His Reception--v. 28-36
          1. Sent by Paul--v. 28
               a. The sending
                    (I) Therefore--refers to what was just said about Epaphroditus.
                    (II) The more carefully --"The words 'more carefully' are a translation of" a Greek word, "which means 'with
                         haste' or 'with special urgency.'" (op. cit., 1/77, 31)
                    (III) "Paul was returning Epaphroditus to the Philippian believers more quickly than he otherwise would have.
                         If  Epaphroditus had been in good health and the Philippians had not been so concerned about him, there
                         would have been no need to send him so hastily to them.  Also, Epaphroditus desperately wanted to return
                         to Philippi.(v. 26).  So for the good of  both the Philippians and Epaphroditus, Paul was hastily sending
                         him to them." (Ibid.)
               b. The seeing
                    (I) "That you may yourselves see how well he has recovered, and what reason you have for thankfulness and
                         joy upon his account.  He gave himself the pleasure of  comforting them by the sight of  so dear a friend."
                         (Henry, VI:737)
                    (II) Paul knew the Philippian believers would be delighted when they saw Epaphroditus.  This gives an insight
                         into the concern the Philippians had for the representative they had sent to take care of  Paul's needs."
                         (Good News, 1/77, 31)
               c. The sorrowing
                    (I) Paul's sorrow would be lessened.
                    (II) "The apostle's statement indicates that he would also be relieved to know that Epaphroditus was back
                         with the Philippians.  Even though Paul had greatly appreciated what Epaphroditus had done for him, he
                         was exceedingly concerned about his condition.  Therefore, it was undoubtedly a relief  for Paul to
                         anticipate Epaphroditus's being back home where he could be properly cared for." (Ibid.)
          2. Received by the believers~- v.29
               a. Paul's request
                    (I) The word receive means to welcome.
                    (II) With all gladness
                         (A) "He employs the word all to mean sincere and abundant." (Calvin, 84; italics are his.)
                         (B) "Paul did not want the Philippians to hold back any expression of  joy as they welcomed Epaphroditus                               home." (Good News, 31)
               b. Paul's exhortation
                    (I) "'Account such men valuable, who are zealous and faithful, and let them be highly loved and regarded.
                         Show your joy and respect by the expressions of  hearty affection and good opinion.'" (Henry, VI:737)
                    (II) "Apparently Epaphroditus was not noted among the believers in Philippi as a gifted teacher or leader, but                          Paul wanted him to be welcomed home with the highest honor.  He had been able to help Paul in ways
                         that a gifted leader or teacher may not have been able to, and Paul was deeply grateful for all that had
                         been done." (Good News, 1/77, 31)
          3. Regarded not his life--v. 30
               a. The reason
                    (I) For the work of  Christ
                         (A) refers to one's labor in the gospel
                         (B) "The apostle does not blame him for his indiscretion in hazarding his life, but reckons they ought to love
                              him the more upon that account." (Henry, VI:737)
                         (C) "He speaks of  the services rendered to him as the work of  the Lord, as assuredly there is nothing in
                              which we can better serve God than when we help his servant who labour for the truth of  the gospel.
                              (Calvin, 85; italics are his.)
                    (II) He was nigh to death--repeats what was said in v. 27.
                    (III) Hazard his life
                         (A) Means to venture, to expose one's life or to gamble one's life
                         (B) "The indication is that Epaphroditus had known ahead of  time the risk he was taking in coming to
                              Rome, but he willingly did so to be of  help to the Apostle Paul and, in a broader sense, to further the
                              work of  Christ." (Good News, 1/77, 32)
                         (C) "Those who truly love Christ, and are hearty in the interests of  his kingdom, will think it very well
                              worth their while to hazard their health and life to do him service, and promote the edification of  his
                              church." (Henry, VI:737)
               b. The purpose
                    (I) To supply their lack
                         (A) This does not imply neglect on their part.
                         (B) It means "to supply that which was lacking."
                    (II) "The expression is complimentary and affectionate, to the effect that all that was wanting in the matter of
                         their service was their ministration in person, which was supplied by Epaphroditus." (Vincent, III:442;
                         italics are his.)

     Believers can rejoice when they are commended by others.  This idea was studied from Philippians 2:19-30.  Timothy was commended in verses 19-24; Epaphroditus was praised in verses 25-30
     Do you wish to commended and praised?  Then, you must be like Timothy and Epaphroditus.  Do what is right in God's sight whether or not anyone else is watching.  Work hard at goals that God has laid upon your heart.  Be a helper to others
as much as you can.  Obey the clear rules of  the Word of  God.  The main quality set forth is putting others first. You can do this if  you have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior just as Timothy and Epaphroditus had.
     
     If  you haven't received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you can't be like them.  Trust Him now for salvation (See How to be Saved); then you, too, can be a Timothy or an Epaphroditus.