Read & explore together
Timothy and Epaphroditus
In this part of Philippians, Paul explains why he hopes to send Timothy and why he is sending Epaphroditus. These verses show practical Christian care, tested service, deep concern for others, and honour for those who work for Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage comes as part of a letter. Paul speaks about two men connected with the Philippians. He hopes to send Timothy soon and trusts he may come himself. He is also sending Epaphroditus back, explaining his illness, his concern for the church, and how they should receive him.
Philippians 2:19–30Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Christian service is shown in genuine care, proven work for the gospel, and honouring those who serve Christ faithfully.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul hopes to send TimothyPaul says he hopes in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy soon so he can learn how the Philippians are doing.
Explanation
Paul says he hopes in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy soon so he can learn how the Philippians are doing. Timothy matters to Paul because he is like-minded and truly cares for them. In contrast, Paul says many seek their own interests rather than the things of Jesus Christ.
02Timothy has proved himselfThe Philippians already know Timothy’s character. Paul says he has proved himself in service connected with the Good News.
Explanation
The Philippians already know Timothy’s character. Paul says he has proved himself in service connected with the Good News. The comparison, “as a child serves a father”, describes close and faithful partnership in gospel work. Paul plans to send him when he knows what will happen with his own situation.
03Epaphroditus is being sent backPaul calls Epaphroditus his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and also the Philippians’ apostle and servant to Paul’s need.
Explanation
Paul calls Epaphroditus his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and also the Philippians’ apostle and servant to Paul’s need. These titles show affection, shared labour, and a representative role. Paul sends him because Epaphroditus longed for them and was distressed that they had heard about his sickness.
04Mercy, joy, and honourEpaphroditus was sick nearly to death, but Paul says God had mercy on him and also on Paul.
Explanation
Epaphroditus was sick nearly to death, but Paul says God had mercy on him and also on Paul. Paul sends him quickly so the Philippians may rejoice and Paul may be less sorrowful. They are told to receive him with joy and honour such people because he risked his life for the work of Christ.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Paul say makes Timothy different from others?
Look for Paul’s words about Timothy being like-minded and truly caring, compared with others who seek their own interests.
02How had Timothy already shown that his service was genuine?
Notice that Paul says Timothy had proved himself and had served with him in furtherance of the Good News.
03Why should the Philippians receive Epaphroditus with joy and honour?
Paul gives more than one reason, including God’s mercy in his sickness and his risk for the work of Christ.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 2:19–30
19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing.
20For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.
21For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.
22But you know that he has proved himself. As a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News.
23Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I myself also will come shortly.
25But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
26since he longed for you all, and was very troubled because you had heard that he was sick.
27For indeed he was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
28I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor,
30because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.