Filipi 2:19-25

Models for Ministry

2:19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged by hearing news about you. 2:20 For there is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you. ¹  2:21 Others are busy with their own concerns, not those of Jesus Christ. 2:22 But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel. 2:23 So I hope to send him as soon as I know more about my situation, 2:24 though I am confident in the Lord that I too will be coming to see you ²  soon.

2:25 But for now ³  I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, ⁴  coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger ⁵  and minister ⁶  to me in my need. ⁷ 

[2:20]  ¹ tn Grk “For I have no one who is like-minded who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

[2:24]  ² tn The words “to see you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied, and are supplied in the translation for clarity.

[2:25]  ³ tn Grk “But.” The temporal notion (“for now”) is implied in the epistolary aorist (“I have considered”), for Epaphroditus was dispatched with this letter to the Philippians.

[2:25]  ⁴ tn Grk “my brother” instead of “For he is my brother.” Verse 25 constitutes one sentence in Greek, with “my brother…” functioning appositionally to “Epaphroditus.”

[2:25]  sn The reason why Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his brother, coworker, fellow soldier, etc., is because he wants to build up Epaphroditus in the eyes of the Philippians, since Paul is sending him back instead of Timothy. This accent on Epaphroditus’ character and service is implied in the translation “For he is…”

[2:25]  ⁵ tn Grk “apostle.”

[2:25]  ⁶ tn The Greek word translated “minister” here is λειτουργός (leitourgo").

[2:25]  ⁷ tn Grk “servant of my need.”