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.
- 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).
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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