Chapter 2, Verse 29 “So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,”
The church had sent Epaphroditus to help Paul in his imprisonment. The church loved Epaphroditus and they loved Paul. No doubt they were upset that their gift to Paul had to be returned. Not that they didn’t want him back but they wanted to be of service to Paul. Paul doesn’t want them to have any negative feelings about Epaphroditus’ return to Philippi.
Paul wants Epaphroditus’ return to be one of joy. Epaphroditus is a servant of the Lord as he was a servant to Paul and because of that Paul encourages the church to receive him in the Lord. They should accept his return in a positive way and with rejoicing because Epaphroditus was returning to them as if from the dead.
Task for Today: What a difference it would make in our congregations if we welcomed each other and visitors in the Lord and found in greeting them great joy. There is no room in an assembly for anything but brotherly love shared with joy. Are you doing your part? Share the love of Jesus with the entire church. Every member, old or young, male or female. Promote joy and never be a part of strife or division.
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