Philippians 2:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

NIV: But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

NASB: 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,

CSB: But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus--my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need--

NLT: Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.

KJV: Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

NKJV: Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

The letter to the Philippians was delivered by the hands of Epaphroditus. This man is given five titles in this brief verse. First, Paul calls him "my brother," indicating he was a fellow believer in Christ.

Second, Paul calls him my "fellow worker," a title emphasizing his diligent efforts to serve Christ in ministry with Paul.

Third, Paul called him his "fellow soldier." Paul sometimes used the word picture of a soldier to emphasize a person's faithful, dedicated service to Christ. The territory Paul ministered to was mostly controlled by the Roman Empire, which made an effort to show off their military might. Soldiers would have been a common sight, and therefore a useful analogy.

Fourth, Paul calls him "your messenger," likely referring to his role of bringing this letter and perhaps verbal information to the Philippian believers. He had also come to Paul, from Philippi, at some point in the past.

Fifth, Paul refers to him as a "minister to my need." Epaphroditus had served Paul on many occasions, especially during his critical time under Roman house arrest. He also brought financial gifts to Paul from the Philippians during this time, as mentioned in Philippians 4:18. He may well have been a leader at the Philippian church. We have little other information about the man, as he is mentioned only in this letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 2:19–30 is Paul's instructions to the Philippian church regarding two particular men: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was a trusted friend of Paul's, who would likely be visiting the church at Philippi soon. Epaphroditus apparently had friends and contacts in this church, and had brought support from Philippi to Paul. After recovering from a near-fatal disease, Epaphroditus is the one delivering this letter from Paul and Timothy.

Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus' name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul's trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon.

Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. A Christian's life, lived for Christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give God glory. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by Jesus Christ. His willingness to obey God the Father, even being crucified, is the ultimate example of humble service. In return, His name will be honored more than any other. Paul's instructions regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus also form a bridge to chapter 3, where Paul will contrast these good men with the dangers of false teachers.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.