Friday, January 24, 2014

EXAMPLES OF HUMBLE SERVICE (Part 1—Phil. 2:19-24)



Besides giving himself as an example of exercising the mind of Christ in humble service (2:18-19), Paul now turns to two others that exemplify such service: Timothy and Epaphroditus. This is supported by the context of encouraging the mind of Christ in humble service. It is supported by the stress of Christ as a humble servant (2:6-11); the example of his own service as a libation poured out for their sake (2:18); and now as modeled in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Both are coming to Philippi for the mutual benefit of the Philippians and Paul.

  1. Timothy—Phil 2:19-24

Paul’s intention is to send Timothy to Philippi. Paul saw Timothy as a good fit for them. He knew them and they knew him. There was a relationship of mutual respect. His purpose was “that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition” (Phil. 2:19). This must be seen in the light of Paul’s desire to see them (Phil. 1:26, Rom. 15:23), and his hope to visit them himself (Phil. 1:24; Rom. 15:28). He sends Timothy so he may be encouraged about them before he is able to arrive himself. The last phrase, and especially the words, “that I also” indicates a mutual benefit.[1] It indicates a twofold purpose: that they both will be encouraged when they learn of his condition, and he of theirs. This is an intermediate step before Paul can come to them. It also indicates that he has hope that Rome will release him and that he will be able to continue his travels and ministry, although prospect of martyrdom is still possible. There is still a degree of uncertainty in Paul being able to fulfill the hope of coming to them.

They will certainly benefit from Timothy coming to them because of his humble ministry to them. His humility is marked by:

a.       Like-mindedness—“For I have no one [else] of kindred spirit…” (Phil. 2:20a). The word isopsuchon, translated like-minded or kindred spirit, and means being of the same mind and spirit and is used only here in the New Testament. It translates a rare word, literal “like-souled.”[2] There is some vagueness here, but clearly indicates an identity of thought between Timothy and Paul.[3] Just as there is equality between Jesus Christ and the Father in deity, so Timothy was equal to Paul in character and thought.[4] This is supported by their father-son relationship (Phil 2:22). They displayed the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5 cf. 1 Cor. 2:12).

b.      Genuine Concern—“who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare” (Phil. 2:20b). There are three key concepts or words that draw our attention. The primary one is the verb—concerned. It is the Greek word merimnao, meaning care, concern, anxious, or to feel an interest in. It is a regard for others. Second, his concern was genuine. The adverb is the Greek word gnesios, meaning natural, sincerely, truly, or real. Also used of Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2. Here it speaks of the nature of his concern. Third, his concern is centered on the saints at Philippi. The phrase is literally, “things concerning you.” He will look after them with genuine concern and in an upright manner. He wanted to help them in their weakness and strengths to build them up in the Lord.

c.       Unselfish Manifestation of Christ—“For they all seek after their own interest, not those of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:21). Here Paul gives the characteristics of unselfishness by way of contrast. We must point out the following in Paul’s method: First, he seems to use hyperbole or exaggeration for the intent of contrasting Timothy’s concern as compared to others.[5] “All” should not be taken in the absolute sense. Welch’s suggestion that this is a generalization of the nature of humanity is going too far.[6] This should not be taken as a condemnation of others; rather a reinforcing of the depth of Timothy’s concern for them over others. His unselfishness supersedes that of others. “Paul was not given to flattery, but he always gave honor and praise where it was due (cf. Rom. 13:7).”[7] Second, the word for (gar) provides the ground for Timothy’s concern. It is a connector word with verse 20. A selfish person lets his own concerns override his concerns of others. Timothy was not like that. He exemplified what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3-4. Third, the chief concern of Timothy was centered upon Jesus Christ. It speaks of his commitment to Christ’s work.

d.      A Servants Heart—“But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child [serving] his father” (Phil. 2:22). Remember, Timothy was introduced as a servant (Phil. 1:1). To have the mind of Christ is to have a mind of a servant (Phil. 2:7). Timothy exemplified a servant who had the humble mind of Christ. Gromacki brings out three aspects of Timothy being a servant:[8] First, He was a proven servant. They knew of his proven worth as a servant. While Timothy was still young, he was no novice, nor inexperienced. The word proven is the Greek word dokimon, used exclusively by Paul in the New Testament, which indicates the dual ideas of the process and results of testing or trial (Rom. 5:4; 2 Cor. 8:4). It is the state of being tried and approved. It embraces the truth that Timothy stood the test and has proven his worth. Second, He was a cooperative servant. He served with Paul. A servant is not a competitor, but a co-worker with others. Third, he was a gospel servant. His aim in serving was for the “furtherance of the gospel.”  This is to be the aim of every servant, no matter in what area he serves.

      It should be pointed out that Timothy did not serve without handicaps. Every servant is human and has certain handicaps. The Scriptures give us three concerning Timothy:[9] First, his youth. He was young; therefore people had a tendency of dismiss him. However, Paul warns Timothy—“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather…show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). Second, a sensitive nature or temperament. This is indicated by Paul’s words to the Corinthians—“Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work” (1 Cor. 16:10). He warns Timothy that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7). Third, a physical or medical problem condition in the form of stomach problems. Thus, Paul instructed him—“No longer drink water [exclusively], but us a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Tim. 5:23).  Two important conclusions are to be made from this. First, handicaps and weaknesses do not disqualify or disable one from service. Second, handicaps and weaknesses aid us in being humble (cf. 2 Cor. 12:7).

Paul’s intent was twofold: First to send Timothy to them. “Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me” (Phil. 1:23). It also indicates there will be a somewhat short delay in Timothy’s coming because he was needed to help with some matters of Paul. It is not clearly indicated what these matters may be. Many assume it is the outcome of his trial, but it does not say so. It may have been personal matters that needed attention. We simple do not know. Whatever it may be, it was causing a delay temporarily. But it is denotes a certainty of his coming to them.

Second, Paul likewise intends to come when he is available to travel: “And I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly” (Phil. 1:24). This speaks of his expectation to be released by Rome as a result of the outcome of the trial.

To be continued




[1]  Eadie, PHILIPPIANS (2:19), np.
[2]  Loh and Nida, TRANSLATORS HANDBOOK: PHILIPPIANS, 78.
[3]  Silva, PHILIPPIANS, 158.
[4]  Gromacki, STAND UNITED IN JOY, 120.
[5]  Silva, PHILIPPIANS, 158.
[6]  Charles H. Welch, THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING, 127.
[7]  Baker, Understanding the Body of Christ, 89.
[8]  Gromacki, STAND UNITED IN JOY, 122-123.
[9]  Getz, A PROFILE OF CHRISTIAN MATURITY, 118-19.

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