This sermon was preached at Ascension Reformed Church in Moscow, Idaho on September 13, A.D. 2026. The video can be found here.
Philippians 2:19–30
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
25 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; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 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 (NKJV).
Introduction
One of my favorite things about the Apostle Paul’s epistles is the reminders that you find in them, showing that they are real letters written about and to real people.
Yes, the Bible is a God-inspired and sacred text. But it was written by men, in a specific historical context, addressing specific people and specific issues. The Bible is not just filled with doctrine, but it includes relationships, conflicts, and practical instruction and direction not to a faceless body – but to people who once were alive and received it.
We see this at the end of the Epistle to the Romans, where in Chapter 16, Paul mentions 26 different individuals and greets them, commenting on their lives. Another example is in 2 Timothy 4, where Paul updates Timothy that Demas has forsaken him, only Luke remains with him, and he asks that when Timothy returns, he bring Mark, his cloak, and his books. And so that is what we see here in our passage this morning.
You may be tempted to gloss over sections like this one, where Paul simply mentions his plans for who to send when and how to receive them. But you must remember that all Scripture is profitable, and even in the parts that seem less pertinent to you, there is instruction to be found. So let’s look again at our passage this morning before we drill down into what we can learn from it.
Summary of the Text
Beginning in verse 19, the Apostle Paul writes that he desires to send Timothy to the Philippians soon so that he would know how they are doing. He says specifically so that he would be “encouraged,” which tells us that Paul expects a good report regarding them from Timothy.
Note here that Paul says he is trusting in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy soon. It is a subtle phrase and one that is easily glossed over as some Christian-ese. But it means that Paul is hoping in Christ, believing Jesus has a plan for his ministry. Just as Paul once experienced the Spirit prohibiting him from entering Asia and sending him to Macedonia instead, he continues to trust the Lord to guide his steps. Right now the Spirit has brought him under house arrest in Rome, but he believes that in the end he will be delivered – at least this time.
Paul then commends Timothy to the Philippians, stating that he has no one as like-minded as he is, who will also be sincerely interested in how they are doing. He then contrasts Timothy with the many who seek their own self-interests, rather than Christ’s. That could be literally translated as all seek “the things of themselves,” not “the things of Jesus Christ.” Many in this world, even Christians and those in ministry, have their eyes cast inward and are focused on their own needs. Paul may have in mind here the other preachers in Rome who ministered out of envy and sought to harm him. In contrast, Paul says Timothy looks outward and considers the Lord Jesus Christ’s interests, not his own.
Paul notes that the Philippians know Timothy’s good reputation and character, and that he is like a son to him in the ministry. We will consider the Philippians’ relationship with Timothy shortly, but for this reason Paul hopes to send him to them soon. However, he is not willing to do so until he knows what will become of himself and his trial. Timothy is useful to Paul there in Rome while he is under house arrest, and so he does not want to send him away just yet. And besides, Paul notes that he himself would like to go to Philippi too.
And so Paul then turns his attention to Epaphroditus, a man also worth commending, and one that Paul feels necessary to send back. The reason for this is that although he is useful to Paul, he knows that they heard he nearly died, and are therefore concerned. The feelings go both ways here, for Paul says that Epaphroditus longed to be with his home church in order to alleviate their distress over him. Paul then tells them that when this messenger returns they ought to receive him in the Lord with joy. The phrase “in the Lord” here gives the sense that they are to receive Epaphroditus as if they were receiving Christ Himself to them.
Lastly, Paul says they are to honor Epaphroditus specifically because he did not regard his life but came close to death in his work for Christ. He says that this was “to supply what was lacking in your service toward me,” which should not be read as a put-down or an insult, but as a simple fact—that Epaphroditus was serving him in a way that they, all the way over in Philippi, simply could not. Which is why they sent him to Paul.
With that overview of the text, we will now consider what we can learn from these two leaders, from Timothy and Epaphroditus, regarding what faithful shepherds and servants look like.
Faithful Timothy
So first, let’s begin with Timothy.
For some context, we first read of Timothy in Acts 16 during the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey.
“Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily” (vv. 1–5).
As we read here, Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman who had become a Christian, but his father was most likely an unbelieving Gentile man. We also know from 1 and 2 Timothy that his grandmother was also a faithful woman, and that he was taught the Scriptures from his earliest years.
We have reason to believe Timothy was as young as 16 to 20 when Paul picked him up. This is because this event took place around AD 50. And then over a decade later, around AD 63, the Apostle Paul wrote to him while he was ministering in Ephesus and said, “Let no man despise your youth” (1 Tim. 4:12). A few years after that letter, he was exhorted by Paul to “flee youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22). In Greco-Roman culture, a man could marry as young as 16 and become an apprentice early.
So it would not have been out of the question for Timothy’s family to let him travel with the Apostle Paul. And yet, over a decade later, he is still called a “youth” which is a term in that period that could apply even into one’s thirties, but not much beyond that. So if about 18 years passed between Acts 16 and 2 Timothy, then we must assume that Timothy was a fairly young man when he began working with Paul. And during those years, he was the Apostle Paul’s most trusted companion and fellow shepherd, serving as an evangelist and minister, an example for all church leaders through the ages.
And so the question now is, what can we see from this passage that is commendable about Timothy? What example does Timothy leave for leaders in the church today?
First, Timothy was a kindred spirit to Paul, a son in the faith, and a loyal co-laborer over many years. Again, Paul says he has no one “like-minded” – literally meaning of the same mind or soul.
I am sure that this does not mean that Paul and Timothy never disagreed. But beneath any conversation or debate, there was a foundational oneness of mind and spirit. They were bound together by the Lord with the same purpose and cause – reaching the nations with the gospel and building up the church of God.
Paul calls Timothy a son not only in this passage, but four other times in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy, he is “my son in the faith,” and in 2 Timothy he is “my dearly beloved son” (1 Tim. 1:2, 2 Tim. 1:2). This communicates both natural authority and submission – the older Paul took young Timothy under his wing to learn the faith and to minister by his side. But it also shows great affection. If you are a man, you wouldn’t just call any other younger man your “son.” But there would have to be a unique relationship to give that sort of title without awkwardness or confusion.
In these things, we see that leaders in the church—whether pastors, elders, or deacons—must work together in unity. For a church to be healthy, it needs both a conviction to keep together and a genuine effort to make that conviction a reality. Put simply—good leaders work together. They are not in competition or suspicious of one another. And when there is honest disagreement, as there will be, good leaders know when and how to submit to their fellow elders or deacons, trusting their wisdom, and being okay with not always getting their way. There are many men who may meet the qualifications for elder or deacon on paper, but when disagreement comes, do not know how to actually be a member of a session.
Second, Timothy was sincerely interested in and cared for the welfare of Christ’s church, rather than his own self-interest.
Again from verses 19–20, “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” Here we see that the like-mindedness Timothy shares with Paul is sincere care for the Philippian church.
Timothy is an example of someone heeding the Apostle Paul’s exhortation earlier in this chapter, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (vv. 3–4). A pastor must know his people intimately, and in knowing them, he must put their interests before his own as servant of Christ.
In some recent church scandals in the Reformed-ish evangelical world – I have heard of pastors who appear on “stage,” (!) but are never found among their people. Like performers, they have “green rooms” that keep them at a distance. These are not pastors. The word “pastor” means “shepherd” – and good shepherds know and care for their flock. This is what the Apostle Paul commanded the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 before his tearful departure. He said, “Take heed (pay careful attention to) to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (vv. 28–29). Think about this – for a leader in Christ’s church to be negligent in their duties is to not care for and protect that which God purchased with His very own blood.
And so, as Timothy put the interests of others before himself, he not only imitated the Apostle Paul but imitated the Lord Jesus Christ. Timothy had the mind of Christ – who though in the form of God, made Himself of no reputation and became a man and a slave, humbling Himself even to the point of death all for the benefit of others (Phil. 2:5–11).
Of course, this way of living is not only for those in formal leadership. All of you are called to be concerned about the welfare of your brothers and sisters in the Lord. When someone in the church is sick or injured in the hospital – do you care? Do you pray for them? When someone seems downcast and struggling – do you take notice During fellowship time, are you interested in one another? Do you ask genuine questions? One of the marks of a true Christian is love for the brethren. As we read in 1 John 4, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (vv. 7–8).
Lastly, Timothy had proven himself faithful and of good character over many years in their midst.
As Paul wrote in verse 22, “But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel” (v. 22). Timothy was a man of good reputation among the household of faith. The church in Philippi first met Timothy in Acts 16, again when he could have been as young as 16. From this and other passages, we can infer that Timothy likely visited the Philippians a few more times, and they surely heard of his ministry as a member of the Apostle Paul’s traveling team.
Now, we know that in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 there are specific qualifications for elders. These lists show what a godly and mature Christian looks like; they show what it means to have “proven character.” And it’s important to remember that these qualifications are not one-time milestones or achievements, but ongoing standards for those in church leadership. And so Timothy’s commendable character is a reminder that all servants of Christ must pay careful attention not only to the flock but also their own walk with the Lord. They must fight sin in their hearts, cultivate righteousness in their families, and be vigilant against the schemes of the evil one – lest they become disqualified and lose the good reputation that they have built.
Faithful Epaphroditus
Now let’s look at the example of Epaphroditus.
Unlike Timothy, we do not know anything else about Epaphroditus except what is stated here. He is mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament. We can learn one thing about him from his name. Epaphroditus means devoted to or favored by the pagan goddess Aphrodite. It was a common Greek name, but for obvious reasons, most likely not what newly converted Christian parents would name their son. Therefore, we can assume that Epaphroditus was a convert from paganism to Christianity.
Not only is it noteworthy that Epaphroditus was a Gentile convert, but it’s also worth noting the significance of Paul embracing him as a Gentile believer and co-laborer. Thirty years ago the Apostle Paul was a zealous Jew. As we will see in Philippians 3, he was an elite Jew, “of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee…” (v. 5). Meaning that any sort of fellowship with Gentiles was out of the question. But now, as we see in the relationship between the Apostle Paul and Epaphroditus, Jesus Christ has made Jew and Gentile one in faith. And so the Apostle Paul freely calls him “my brother.”
And he is not only Paul’s brother, but also his fellow worker and soldier. This tells us that faithful leaders work. They labor on behalf of Christ. They put their hands to the plow and do not look back. They are found in the Lord’s vineyard and in his sheepfold, tending and keeping watch.
Additionally, faithful leaders fight. They fight sin, the flesh, and the devil in their own lives. They fight wolves that would harm the sheep. And they help equip saints in the battle against the enemy. What this means is that the imagery of a soldier is not fanciful, but real. As the Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 6, we need the armor of God to fight against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Likewise, he calls his ministry a battle. He says, in a manner of speaking, that he fought beasts in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32). Most likely referring to false teachers denying the resurrection. And at the end of his life he looks back on his ministry, stating, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7).
Leaders not only work and fight, but they do so together. Epaphroditus is his “co-laborer” or “fellow worker.” Even the great and gifted Apostle Paul had a need for co-workers, those he could work alongside, or in the case of Timothy, even send in his place when unable to travel himself. This is why healthy churches have a plurality of elders, and why there is a division of labor among elders and deacons. The ministry is not meant to be accomplished or held together by one man, but by a few men, each exercising their unique gifts for the good of God’s people, laboring and fighting for the church.
The Apostle Paul also says that Epaphroditus, just like himself and Timothy, was concerned for the church in Philippi. But he had a more personal reason. We read in verse 25 that Epaphroditus was their “messenger.” The word here for messenger is apostolos – or apostle.
While the office of apostle was, in one sense, a unique, foundational office that the Twelve held along with the Apostle Paul (and has now ceased), others in the New Testament are called what you could call lowercase apostles as well. This is because “apostle” simply means “sent one.” This is where we derive the modern term “missionary” from – someone who is sent out on a task for Christ and His church. So you could say Epaphroditus was an early church example of the good kind of “short-term” missionary. And he was concerned for the people back in his home church because he knew they had caught wind that he was extremely sick, which caused them to become greatly distressed. Therefore, Paul was eager to send him back to ease their concerns, so they would rejoice in his return.
In this, we see another quality of faithful leaders in the church. For we read that Epaphroditus became sick, even to the point of death, specifically for the work of Christ (v. 30). Now, not many elders or deacons will be called to lay down their lives in this literal way, but all are called to a life of sacrifice. Elders and deacons are to be willing to suffer for the sake of the elect. As Paul spoke of himself in Acts 20, “the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me… But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (vv. 23–24). Likewise, Paul wrote to Timothy, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3).
This reminds me of what Pastor Toby tells students in their first class with him in Greyfriars Hall. It’s your first day of Homiletics. You’re excited. You think you’re going to learn about preaching. And the first lecture is on why you shouldn’t be there. I think it might have been titled, Why you should probably quit. Pastor Toby’s reason for doing this was to warn students, that if you continue in this direction, you are heading for combat. You are going to enter a battle. You are going to get shot at and see awful things that most church members will never have to deal with or encounter. And therefore, he argued, you really need to be sure you’re called to this. You need to count the cost.
Faithful ministry involves a willingness to suffer on behalf of the church which you are called to love. And so in his willingness to suffer, by risking his life to serve the church, Epaphroditus imitates Christ.
In Philippians 2:8, Paul wrote that Christ was obedient “to the point of death” and here he says that Epaphroditus came “close to death” — the same two words in Greek. Ephaphroditus imitated His Lord, who willingly laid down His life for His Bride. As an under-shepherd, he followed the Good and Great Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep. This is the kind of leaders that you want and the kind of leaders that you need. As Jesus taught in John 10, hirelings see wolves coming and flee. But shepherds stay and fight. You need shepherds who know you and will fight for you in the Lord.
Faithful Saints
So we have seen in the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus key features in faithful shepherds and leaders. But the Apostle Paul and the example of the Philippians also teach us how a faithful church lives in relation to those who serve.
First, we see that the Philippians supported the Apostle Paul in the fact that they sent Epaphroditus to minister to him and deliver a financial gift. If you recall, back in Philippians 1, Paul expresses his thankfulness to them for their “fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now…” (v. 5).
And then in Philippians 4, we read this,
“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (vv. 14–18).
And so we see that the Philippians have been supporting the Apostle Paul ever since he first brought the gospel to them in Acts 16. This support was not only in prayer, but also in providing for his practical needs and sending individuals to work with him, like Epaphroditus. Therefore, in the life of the church, congregants are not only to receive but also give.
As Paul says in Galatians 6, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Or as we read in 3 John,
“Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth” (vv. 5–8).
Churches are to provide for the needs of their shepherds and those they send out, so that their good work would not be hindered. And when you do so, the great truth here in 3 John is that you become “fellow workers” with them. You are united in their work, which would not be possible without your efforts and support.
Second, the Apostle Paul calls the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus back with joy and to honor him for his sacrificial labors. He says they are to esteem such men as him (v. 29).
In my sermon last week, we considered that when the Apostle Paul gave the command in verse 14 to do all things without grumbling, he may have specifically had in mind that the Israelites grumbled in the wilderness against their leaders, against Moses and Aaron. And so here we have that same command given positively – you are to not grumble and complain against your leaders – which means that you are to honor them and hold them in esteem.
We find a similar exhortation in 1 Thessalonians, where the Apostle Paul says, “to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly for their work’s sake” (1 Thess. 5).
Now, this morning I want to highlight two practical ways that you are to honor those who serve you.
The first way to honor your pastors and elders is to obey them in the Lord. I add “in the Lord” as a modifier, noting that they are only to call for obedience in things that are taught in the Word, rather than in matters of opinion or preference. And so we read in Hebrews 13, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (v. 17).
Before the Lord, pastors and elders minister knowing that they will one day give an account for their work. Their faithfulness will be measured and weighed by the Lord. And so when they admonish and exhort you, they are not doing so for personal gain or because they enjoy telling people what to do, but they are doing so in humble obedience to the Lord and for your good. And in return, the Lord asks you to heed their teaching, to be submissive, which will bring joy rather than grief to those who love and serve you.
The second way to honor those who serve you is to imitate them.
Leaders are called to set an example for their people. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). He also wrote to Timothy, saying not to let anyone despise his youth and to be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12). And so as we read again in Hebrews 13, you are to “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (v. 17). You are to watch how they live, and that which is pleasing to God, you are to embrace and follow.
So often you think of yourselves as logic machines. You think you just need more information on how to live. You think you just need the facts laid out and the reasoning stated. You won’t admit it, but sometimes you think just one more book on parenting, and you’ll get it right. Or just one more podcast on marriage and you’ll fix your spouse. And while all these sorts of resources are good, you are still lacking something in them. God didn’t make you to simply take in facts. Yes, we are rational creatures who need logical input.
But so much of what you believe and who you are and how you live comes from observation and desire. You see someone with something you want, living in a way that is attractive, and so you follow them to obtain it. This is how God has made you. Put simply – He has wired you to imitate. And it’s not a matter of whether you will imitate or not – but who or what you will imitate. And so one way to esteem those who are responsible for your souls is to pay attention to how they live, and if there is anything praiseworthy, if there is anything good and desirable, you are to follow them in those things.
Conclusion
To conclude, I want to step back and remind you of the big picture.
In Ephesians 4 we read that when Christ ascended to heaven, He gave gifts to men. He poured out His Holy Spirit, and He gave “some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.” These servants of the Lord are to build up the Body of Christ until “we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (vv. 9–13).
So that is the aim here; that is where we are all heading together. That is why God has placed pastors, elders, teachers, and deacons in the church. They are appointed to serve you in order that you would be unified and built up, that one day you will be made into the perfect image of Christ. In this, ministers, elders, and deacons are to work with you for your joy (2 Cor. 1:24). They are laboring for your happiness – both in this life and in the life to come.
But it is not only they who have a unique role in the Body of Christ; every single member does. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… and the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. Each of you has a role to play in this church, just as the body has many different members that all work together for its good. Some of you are given the gift of hospitality. Others the gift of encouragement. Some of you may love administration and organizing, or feel burdened for a particular outreach ministry. Learning what your God-given desires and gifts are is very important for the growth and maturity of the church, and exercising them is part of your obedience to the Lord and to those who watch over your souls. You are not simply meant to keep your nose clean, but to get to work alongside all the saints, building up one another and the kingdom of God.
And so, while elders and deacons labor for your joy, you need to remember that when you walk in obedience, when you endeavor to follow after Christ, that joy is then returned to them and shared with your families, with everyone in this church, and ultimately then, with the world.