Chapter 2, Verse 28 “I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.”
Paul has made it obvious that Epaphroditus has performed a valuable role in Paul’s care and work. He also is aware of the concern that the Philippians have for their brother and messenger. Paul is not eager to be rid of Epaphroditus but on the contrary is eager to make the Philippians happy.
In Paul’s thinking two things will be accomplished by Epaphroditus’ return to Philippi. The church will have occasion to rejoice and Paul will have less to worry about. No doubt Epaphroditus was an important part of Paul’s work force in Rome and was needed there, but Paul senses that the morale and spirit of the Philippian church also depend on their seeing him in person.
Task for Today: Good time to think about selfishness. How easy for Paul to claim the rights to Epaphroditus but he doesn’t. Putting others first is not always easy but as members of the body of Christ it is necessary for us to do that. Christ first, others second, and me last is more than just a platitude. Take a moment and check your motives for your actions today. Are you first or last?
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