We all need good role models. That is, there is real value in having examples of what this life with Jesus is intended to look like.
Paul knows that. He calls to friends and followers of Jesus to find models who walk out the life in holy and healthy ways (as in Philippians 3:17). And that is why he mentions Timothy and Epaphroditus in writing to the Philippians.
After having invited those to whom he is writing to “have this attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2: 5), and having explained the humble and self-giving mind-set that characterized Jesus’ life and death, Paul mentions two names: Timothy and Epaphroditus.
In an early post (“Living Commendably”), I introduced this idea of these two men serving as examples. Having extended such a seemingly high and lofty calling, it might be possible for the Philippians (and for us!) to insist that no one would really be able to live with Jesus’ attitude of heart and mind. And Paul probably knows we just might think such things, so he calls attention to a couple of guys who “get it.” In that early post, I highlighted what Paul commended in Timothy; here we need to look at Epaphroditus.
What did Paul see in him? What does he want the Philippians to notice? (You might want to read Philippians 2:25-30.)
Epaphroditus was sincere in his affection for them and for Jesus.
Epaphroditus was more concerned for the welfare of others than his own welfare.
But there is one other remarkable thing that Paul states about Epaphroditus:
He came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me (2:30).
What is Paul saying here? Is he commending masochism? Of course not! Is he applauding Epaphroditus playing the role of a martyr? Certainly not.
He is saying that . . .
Epaphroditus valued service to Christ over his own well-being.
Epaphroditus was going to carry out his serving (in this case, for the Philippians with regard to Paul) to the nth degree.
In other words, Epaphroditus was going to be “all in” in this Christ-like life. He was not going to stop short of being and giving all for what most mattered. And in this, Epaphroditus was tasting the very kind of life that Jesus lived.
After all, Paul had just told the Philippians that Jesus himself served “to the point of death.” Paul affirmed that Jesus’ self-giving took him to the cross for the benefit and good of others. Paul insisted that Jesus was all in, did not stop short, of carrying out his own ministry of service on behalf of the Father on for our good.
Jesus went all the way. Epaphroditus, to the degree he could, empowered by the Spirit, went all the way. And Paul is simply pointing out: that’s the model!
I really don’t mind serving . . . within limits. I would like to minister to others . .. as long as it doesn’t cost me too much. I have experienced something of the joy of giving myself away . . . but typically still holding something “in reserve.” All too often and all too easily, I stop short. And then I wonder why my life in Jesus seems so different from the life Paul pictures, than the New Testament presents.
Maybe the only way to really experience the life of Jesus (who was all in, no stopping short) is to life all in, no stopping short, nothing held back.
I am going to think about trying that . . . if it doesn’t cost me too much.