Another messenger would arrive in Philippi before either Paul or Timothy. Epaphroditus would carry this epistle to its destination. Paul wrote this pericope to prepare for a proper reception of its courier and to draw attention to Epaphroditus' humility.
2:25 Rather than waiting, Paul thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus immediately. He would explain shortly why he did this. First, he wanted to commend his messenger.
Epaphroditus' name appears nowhere else in the New Testament other than in Philippians (cf. 4:18). Paul described him here in five relationships. He was Paul's brother in the faith, a sharer in spiritual life by God's grace. Second, he was Paul's fellow worker, more than a brother but one who joined in the service of building the church of Jesus Christ, a partner in the gospel ministry. Third, he was Paul's fellow soldier. He was not just a worker but a worker who had entered into spiritual warfare by standing up for Christ in a hostile environment and boldly proclaiming the gospel.
In relation to the Philippians, Epaphroditus was their messenger to Paul. He had carried their gift to him as their representative. Translators usually render the Greek word translated "messenger"as "apostle"(Gr. apostolos). This word has a general meaning and a specific meaning in the New Testament. Generally it means a messenger and describes such people as Barnabas (Acts 14:14), James, the Lord's brother (Gal. 1:19; 1 Cor. 15:7), probably Silas and Timothy (1 Thess. 2:7; cf. Phil. 1:1), and Epaphroditus here. Technically it refers to the 12 apostles and Paul, those whom Jesus had specially commissioned with the ministry of planting and establishing the church. This second usage is more common in the New Testament. Many men functioned as apostles in the early church, but only 13 were official apostles (i.e., occupied that office).
Finally, Epaphroditus was the Philippians' "minister"to Paul's needs in prison. This word (Gr. leitourgon) sometimes describes the kind of ministry a priest performs (Rom. 15:16; Heb. 8:2). Consequently Paul may have been thinking of Epaphroditus' ministry to him as similar to a priest's. He presented the Philippians' offering to Paul as a sacrifice (4:18).
"Epaphroditus was their envoy to him, their way of telling him that they cared enough to send their very best . . ."92
2:26 Paul decided to send Epaphroditus immediately because word had reached Epaphroditus that his fellow Philippians had learned that he had been ill. This knowledge had created a longing in his heart for his brethren and had distressed him. His feelings were intense. Paul used the word translated "longing"(NASB) or "longs"(NIV, Gr. epipotheo) earlier to describe his own feelings for the Philippians (1:8; cf. James 4:5; 1 Pet. 2:2). "Distressed"(Gr. ademonon) also described Jesus' feelings in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33).
"It describes the confused, restless, half-distracted state, which is produced by physical derangement, or by mental distress, as grief, shame, disappointment, etc."93
Epaphroditus may have been a specially sensitive Christian. On the other hand his concern may reflect a misunderstanding that had put him in a questionable light since he had left Philippi.94
2:27 Paul gave God the credit for restoring Epaproditus to health when he had been at death's door. Epaphroditus' death would have increased Paul's sorrow over his brother's illness. Note that Paul did not have the ability to heal everyone whom he wished would be healthy, even his fellow workers.95Divine healing has always been subject to the will of God.
2:28 The concern of Epaphroditus and the Philippians for one another led Paul to send their messenger back to them at once. He may have done so earlier than he would have otherwise. This would lessen Paul's concern about the Philippians knowing that Epaphroditus' return would relieve his readers' anxiety.
2:29 Paul wanted Epaphroditus' homecoming to be a joyous occasion. He had carried out his mission successfully and had ministered to Paul with distinction. He urged the Philippians to regard him highly and to welcome him wholeheartedly.
2:30 Specifically, Epaphroditus had become sick because of his service for Christ, apparently his service of travelling to Rome and ministering to Paul there. He had daringly exposed himself to danger.96It was as he had labored for his absent Philippian brethren, to make up their deficiency in this sense (4:14-18; cf. 1 Cor. 16:17), that he had become ill.
Aphrodite (Venus) was the goddess of gamblers. When a pagan Greek threw the dice he would cry out "epaphroditos!"meaning "favorite of Aphrodite."Epaphroditus' name may have connections with this custom. If so, Paul may have written that Epaphroditus "risked [gambled] his life"as a play on his friend's name.
"He says Epaphroditus gambled with his life, but won, because God was there and had mercy on him.'"97
Paul's emphasis in chapter 2 was on the importance of unity and its necessary prerequisite, humility. For there to be true partnership in the work of the gospel there must be unity among the workers. The key to achieving unity is for each believer to adopt the humble mind of Christ.
