Philippians 2:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

NIV: because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

NASB: because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to compensate for your absence in your service to me.

CSB: because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

NLT: For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.

KJV: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

NKJV: because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Epaphroditus was fully committed to Christ. Many claim to serve Christ, yet few can claim they have nearly died in order to serve the Lord. Epaphroditus was to be honored for his tremendous level of commitment.

Epaphroditus was also to be honored because he risked his life to serve in ways others could not. The entire church could not leave one country in order to visit Paul in another. However, a single person could; Epaphroditus was that individual. He was to be honored for rising to the challenge to lead and to serve in this unique way. Martyrs have long been honored for their sacrifice and rightfully so. However, this verse adds that those who have risked their lives to serve Christ should also be recognized for their efforts. Not all members of a congregation can participate in all forms of service, and those who take on the more difficult assignments should be given respect by those who stay behind.

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.

Accessed 5/1/2024 11:31:19 AM