Category Archives: Messenger

Bible, Messenger, Minister, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant

A MESSENGER AND MINISTER

PHILIPPIANS 2:25

“But 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,”

Think of someone who has done something special for you that you will never forget. I am not talking about a spouse or a child. I’m thinking about a fellow believer and friend. I have someone in mind who truly blessed me years ago. I won’t go into the story because I don’t want to divulge their identity or what they did. Just suffice to say I will never forget their sacrifice and what they did for me during a very hard time in my life.

Paul spends the next six verses and one more in chapter four talking about a fellow brother, worker and soldier – Epaphroditus. His name means “lovely” or “charming.” Perhaps he was. We do know he was sent by the church at Philippi to minister to Paul and bring him something to help during his imprisonment. This servant of God took that long trip from Philippi to Rome to deliver this gift to Paul and then stayed to minister to him. We’ll see more about that in the coming days.

APPLICATION

Paul calls him “your messenger and minister to my need.” He recognized that Epaphroditus was acting on behalf of the church. He must have been a trusted member of that church since he was given the task of delivering the gift to Paul. The Greek word for “messenger” is the same word used to describe the apostles. It means someone who is sent with the authority of the sender. In Epaphroditus’ case, he had the authority of the Philippian church. His message to Paul – we love you and want to comfort you.

Then Paul uses the Greek word leitourgos which implies a servant who serves others at their own expense. It was normally used to describe a public servant. But in the case of Epaphroditus, it describes his service to Paul. The word is only used four other times in the New Testament (Romans 13:6; 15:16 and Hebrews 1:7; 8:2).

I love the way it is used in Hebrews 1:7. “And regarding the angels He says, ‘HE MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’” The author of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 104:4 here. “He makes the winds His messengers, Flaming fire His ministers.” Paul describes Epaphroditus with the same word used there to describe angels. Certainly, Epaphroditus was dear to Paul.

Are you serving that way? Are you a messenger and minister to someone? Be an Epaphroditus today!

Father, thank You for servants like Epaphroditus who give us an example to follow.

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Bible, Comfort, Commitment, Encouragement, Messenger, Scripture

MESSENGER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

PHILIPPIANS 2:19

“But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.”

Some people have the gift of encouragement. Anytime you’re around them you just feel better. Wouldn’t it be great if we all acted that way? The world would be a much better place. Hey, the church would be a better place. Too much complaining and arguing happens there, don’t you think? We need more encouragers.

Paul sent Timothy, whom they knew when he had accompanied Paul there, to bring back news on how the Philippians were doing. Timothy had a two-fold task – take news of Paul to the church in Philippi and to bring news back to Paul in Rome. You need to understand something. Travel back then took a lot longer than it does now. This was a 1286 km (@800 miles) trip one way. It would have taken 3-6 months, depending on the time of the year. This was a huge commitment Timothy was making for Paul. Timothy would have been gone 6-12 months. A lot can happen in a year.

APPLICATION

But Timothy makes the journey and returns to Rome with news about the church. Of course, that is not talked about in this letter. What do you think Timothy said to the Philippian believers when he arrived there? “Paul is doing great. He has been chained to these Roman soldiers, but that means he has had a captive audience with these guys.” To that I bet all the Philippians would roar with laughter and say, “That’s just like Paul.” That news would have encouraged them.

Then Timothy would return to Paul in Rome. What do you think he told him? “The church is doing great! They are embracing their suffering as you asked. They are being witnesses throughout the city, following your example here in Rome. They send their love and gratitude.” Wow! What encouragement! This was Timothy’s task.

Are you like Timothy? Do you try to encourage others, or do you ignore others? We are all called to encourage. The word used for “may be encouraged” is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It can mean to be of good comfort. Are you a comforter? Seek out what the Lord would have you do about this today.

Father, I know I could be a better encourager. Give me the words and ability to comfort others.

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