Philippians 2:19-30 Lesson 381

Philippians 2:19-30
Lesson 381

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

Epaphroditus.

This lesson ends the segment "Christ is our model," which began in lesson 380.

Epaphroditus visits Paul in chains.

By an unknown artist.

Who was -

Epaphroditus -
A familiar name in biblical times. The name Epaphroditus means one who belongs to Venus. Since Venus was a pagan goddess, Epaphroditus was probably from a family of idolaters before becoming a believer. From Philippi, Epaphroditus traveled from Macedonia to Rome with a message to Paul from the Philippians. He also delivered money and aid for Paul (Philippians 4:18) as he waited in chains to be tried (2 Corinthians 11:9). While with Paul in Rome, Epaphroditus became ill and almost died (Philippians 2:26-27; 2:30). Once recovered, he returned to Philippi with this letter (epistle) to the Philippians.

Study Tip:

Scroll back and forth between the "King James Version" and the "New Living Translation" whenever you encounter a difficult passage.

The Epistle of Paul The Apostle To The Philippians

The King James Bible

Philippians 2:19-30
Two co-workers

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 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.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

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

Margin notes:

"That I also may be of good comfort." (2:19) - "That I might also be cheered up."

"When I know your state." (2:19) - Paul will learn their "state" when Timothy returns with a report from Philippi.

"Who will naturally care for your state." (2:20) - "Who will truly care for your well-being." When we put Christ first, concern for others naturally follows.

"Ye know the proof of him." (2:22) - "You know Timothy has proven himself."

"Soon as I shall see how it will go with me." (2:23) - Incarcerated, Paul was waiting to learn his fate as he wrote these words.

"I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly." (2:24) - Paul had faith he would be released and able to continue his work for the Lord.

"He was sick nigh unto death." (2:27) - "He was sick and near death."

"I sent him therefore the more carefully." (2:28) - "I eagerly sent him."

"Hold such in reputation." (2:29) - "Hold in high regard."

"To supply your lack of service toward me." (2:30) - "To do what you can't do in your absence."

New Living Translation

Philippians 2:19-30
Paul Commends Timothy

19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.

20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.

21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.

22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.

23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here.

24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

Paul Commends Epaphroditus

25 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.

26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him-and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.

29 Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve.

30 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.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. How were Timothy and Paul "likeminded?" (2:20)

Study the word of God daily; the Bible has much to teach us.

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. Timothy and Paul were "likeminded" in their devotion to others (2:20), their willingness to work and place Jesus above their own interests (2:21), and because both were committed to spreading the Gospel despite the hardships (2:22).

Application thought for the day:

What spiritual applications can you find in this passage that would help you lead a more compassionate life.

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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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