Timothy and Epaphroditus: Examples of Faithful Service
Philippians 2:19-30
Phil.2.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Τιμοθεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ταχεως: ADV
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- ινα: CONJ
- καγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,1
- ευψυχω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- γνους: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- περι: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2-7 (verbal): Paul sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians and to report back about their faith—parallels the mission and purpose (comfort/knowledge) stated in Phil 2:19.
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 (verbal): Paul explicitly states he has sent Timothy to remind the Corinthians of his ways in Christ—parallels the pattern of Timothy acting as Paul's envoy to churches.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 (verbal): Paul notes Timothy's intended visit and urges the church to receive him; parallels the expectation of Timothy being sent soon to the Philippians.
- Acts 16:1-3 (allusion): Narrative of Timothy joining Paul and being circumcised for mission work—background for why Paul trusts Timothy to represent him and bring back a report.
- Romans 16:21 (verbal): Timothy named among Paul's fellow workers, confirming his close association and frequent role as Paul's delegate, which undergirds Phil 2:19's confidence in sending him.
Alternative generated candidates
- I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
- I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
Phil.2.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουδενα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ισοψυχον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- οστις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- γνησιως: ADV
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- περι: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μεριμνησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Philippians 2:19-23 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains he plans to send Timothy because he has no one 'like-minded' who will genuinely care for the Philippians, and he describes Timothy's proven character and service.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2-7 (thematic): Paul sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage the church and to learn about their faith and love—paralleling the idea of a trusted envoy who sincerely cares for the believers.
- Romans 16:21 (verbal): Paul names Timothy as a 'fellow worker'—language that echoes Philippians' emphasis on a trusted, like-minded companion who assists in ministry to the churches.
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 (thematic): Paul sent Timothy to remind the Corinthians of Paul's ways in Christ; this illustrates Timothy's role as Paul's faithful representative who attends to the spiritual welfare of a congregation.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I have no one like-minded who will genuinely care for your welfare.
- For I have no one else of like mind who will genuinely care for what concerns you.
Phil.2.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εαυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- ζητουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ου: PART,neg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Philippians 2:4 (structural): Immediate context and direct contrast—commands believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, countering the self-seeking Paul attributes in 2:21.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24 (verbal): Similar wording and ethical demand: 'Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor,' opposing self-centered seeking described in Phil 2:21.
- 2 Corinthians 5:15 (thematic): States that believers should 'no longer live for themselves but for him' (Christ), contrasting the self-seeking orientation Paul condemns in Phil 2:21.
- Romans 15:3 (verbal): Affirms that 'Christ did not please himself,' providing a Christological example of not seeking one's own interests in contrast to the attitude criticized in Phil 2:21.
- John 6:38 (quotation): Jesus' own claim—'I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me'—models the opposite of the self-seeking attitude Paul describes.
Alternative generated candidates
- For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.
- For all seek their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
Phil.2.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- δοκιμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- γινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- ως: ADV
- πατρι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τεκνον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- συν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εδουλευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 16:1-3 (structural): Narrative background showing Timothy's relationship to Paul (disciple from Lystra) and his ongoing service with Paul, supplying the historical context for Philippians' praise of Timothy's ministry.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (thematic): Paul sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians; parallels the role of Timothy as Paul's delegate who serves the gospel alongside him.
- 1 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Paul addresses Timothy as 'my true child in the faith,' echoing the father–son language used in Philippians to describe their close relational and ministerial bond.
- 2 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Paul calls Timothy 'my beloved son,' reaffirming the personal, filial language and the trust Paul places in Timothy for gospel ministry.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (thematic): Paul's paternal imagery ('as a father with his children') parallels the 'as a son with a father' formula in Philippians, highlighting the father–son metaphor for Paul's care and Timothy's filial relationship.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you know Timothy's proven worth: as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
- But you know his proven character: as a son with a father he served with me in the work of the gospel.
Phil.2.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ως: ADV
- αν: PART
- αφιδω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- περι: PREP
- εμε: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εξαυτης·: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (thematic): Paul sends Timothy as his representative to strengthen and encourage a congregation—parallels the sending of Timothy to the Philippians to report and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 (verbal): Paul explicitly states he sent Timothy to remind the church of his ways in Christ, a direct parallel in purpose and practice to Phil. 2:23.
- Acts 19:22 (verbal): Acts records Paul sending Timothy (and Erastus) on mission to Macedonia—an explicit example of Paul dispatching Timothy as here.
- Romans 15:23-24 (thematic): Paul expresses his hope to visit regions soon; shares the same language of personal expectation and planned visitation found in Phil. 2:23.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 (thematic): Paul urges Timothy to come to him soon—reflects the reciprocal motif of timely travel and the importance of personal presence between Paul and Timothy.
Alternative generated candidates
- I hope therefore to send him at once, as soon as I see how it will be with me.
- Therefore I intend to send him at once, as soon as I see how matters here will go with me.
Phil.2.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πεποιθα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- ταχεως: ADV
- ελευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Philippians 2:23 (verbal): Immediately precedes v.24 and uses nearly identical hope-language: Paul’s expectation to send Timothy 'shortly' and his reliance on the Lord.
- Philippians 1:25 (thematic): Paul expresses his settled intention about continued presence/return among the Philippians for their progress and joy—same concern for visitation and fellowship.
- 1 Corinthians 4:19 (verbal): Paul tells the Corinthians 'I will come to you shortly' (τὰχ᾽ ἔρχομαι), a parallel phrasing about an anticipated visit dependent on circumstances.
- Romans 15:23-24 (thematic): Paul explains his inability to visit until certain tasks are done but states his hope to visit 'in passing'—same motif of planned travel and hope to come by the will of God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:15-17 (structural): Paul discusses his previous travel plans and intentions to visit, highlighting the pattern of apostolic planning, revising, and invoking the Lord’s will for coming—structurally parallel to the wording of hope and trust in Phil 2:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I am confident in the Lord that I myself also will come soon.
- But I trust in the Lord that I myself also will come shortly.
Phil.2.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αναγκαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- δε: CONJ
- ηγησαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- Επαφροδιτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συνεργον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συστρατιωτην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- αποστολον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- λειτουργον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χρειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Colossians 4:7-9 (verbal): Tychicus is called a beloved brother, faithful minister and fellow servant whom Paul sends to inform the recipients—language and function closely parallel Epaphroditus as Paul’s envoy and fellow-worker.
- Ephesians 6:21-22 (verbal): Tychicus again described as a faithful minister and brother sent to make known Paul’s circumstances and to encourage—similar terms and the role of a personal messenger/minister.
- Romans 16:3-4 (thematic): Priscilla and Aquila are called Paul’s 'fellow workers' in Christ—parallels the designation of Epaphroditus as a fellow worker and partner in ministry.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 (verbal): Paul speaks of companions chosen by the churches who are 'fellow workers' and 'messengers'—echoes the combined roles of fellow-worker, envoy, and servant attributed to Epaphroditus.
- Philemon 1:23-24 (thematic): Paul names Epaphras (and other co-workers) as a fellow prisoner/minister and sends greetings—illustrates the common Pauline pattern of sending trusted brothers as representatives and ministers to churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet I judged it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need;
- Yet I judged it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need,
Phil.2.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επειδη: CONJ
- επιποθων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- αδημονων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- διοτι: CONJ
- ηκουσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- ησθενησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Philippians 2:25 (structural): Immediate context: introduces Epaphroditus as Paul’s brother, fellow worker, and your messenger — sets up why Paul mentions his longing and illness.
- Philippians 2:30 (thematic): Continues the report about Epaphroditus’ condition: he nearly died on account of the work of Christ, explaining the reference to his illness and distress.
- Romans 16:4 (thematic): Commends individuals who 'risked their necks' for Paul’s life — a parallel theme of companions endangering health or life in service to the apostle/mission.
- 2 Timothy 4:20 (thematic): Notes a companion (Trophimus) left sick at Miletus — a comparable instance of a minister’s companion being ill while engaged in ministry travel/work.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (verbal): Paul expresses intense longing to see the Thessalonians (language of eager desire/longing), paralleling Epaphroditus’ reported 'longing' for the Philippians.
Alternative generated candidates
- for he has been longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was ill.
- since he longed for you all and was distressed because you had heard he was sick.
Phil.2.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- ησθενησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- παραπλησιον: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- θανατω·αλλα: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ηλεησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- μονον: ADV
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εμε: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- λυπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- λυπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σχω: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:8–10 (thematic): Paul describes being burdened beyond strength and fearing death, then God delivering them—parallel theme of near-death experience and divine rescue that spares further sorrow.
- Psalm 41:3 (allusion): Psalmist: 'The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed'—a close thematic echo of God showing mercy to the sick and restoring them.
- James 5:14–15 (thematic): Instruction about calling the elders to pray so the sick may be healed and the Lord will raise them up—connects synoptically to God's mercy in restoring one near death.
- Luke 8:49–56 (Jairus' daughter) (thematic): Narrative of a person presumed dead or near death who is restored by Jesus—parallels the motif of a life rescued from death by divine intervention.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 (verbal): Paul testifies that 'the Lord stood with me' and delivered him—echoes Phil 2:27's emphasis that God had mercy and effected deliverance not only for the sick man but for Paul as well.
Alternative generated candidates
- Indeed he was close to death, but God had mercy on him—not on him only, but also on me—so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
- Indeed he was sick and near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Phil.2.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- σπουδαιοτερως: ADV,comp
- ουν: CONJ
- επεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- ιδοντες: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- παλιν: ADV
- χαρητε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- καγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,1
- αλυποτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m,comp
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 16:1-2 (verbal): Paul commends Phoebe and asks the church to 'receive her in the Lord,' echoing Philippians' request to receive Epaphroditus in the Lord (shared verbal formula and practice of hospitable reception).
- Philemon 1:12-17 (thematic): Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon and urges Philemon to welcome him 'no longer as a slave but more than a slave,' paralleling the theme of sending a companion and urging the recipient to receive him with joy and brotherly acceptance.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (thematic): Paul reports being comforted by Titus' arrival—his coming brought consolation and joy and relieved Paul's anxiety, closely paralleling the motive in Phil 2:28 of sending someone so their return would cause the recipients' joy and lessen Paul's sorrow.
- 1 Corinthians 16:17-18 (thematic): Paul rejoices at the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they 'refreshed my spirit and yours,' a parallel motif of colleagues sent or coming to bring refreshment, joy, and encouragement to Paul and the church.
- 3 John 1:5-8 (thematic): John commends hospitality shown to traveling Christian workers and urges support for them; this parallels the expectation in Phil 2:28 that the church receive and care for a returning messenger whose presence brings joy and relief to the apostle.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am the more eager, then, to send him that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.
- Therefore I sent him more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.
Phil.2.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προσδεχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- ουν: CONJ
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- τοιουτους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- εντιμους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- εχετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Romans 16:2 (verbal): Paul asks the Roman church to 'receive her in the Lord' (Phoebe), using almost the same wording and concern for hospitality toward a messenger.
- Matthew 10:40 (allusion): Jesus teaches that receiving his messengers is tantamount to receiving him; parallels the idea of accepting and honoring a sender 'in the Lord.'
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (thematic): Paul urges respect and high esteem for those who labor among the believers, echoing the command to 'hold such in honor.'
- 3 John 1:5-8 (thematic): John commends support for brothers who travel on behalf of the gospel and calls them 'fellow workers,' reflecting the duty to receive, aid, and honor those sent for the Lord's service.
Alternative generated candidates
- Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such men in honor,
- Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor people like him,
Phil.2.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μεχρι: PREP
- θανατου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ηγγισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- παραβολευσαμενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ψυχη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- αναπληρωση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- υστερημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- λειτουργιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 2:25 (structural): Immediate context: introduces Epaphroditus as Paul’s brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, identifying the person whose risking of life is described in 2:30.
- Philippians 2:17-18 (thematic): Paul speaks of being 'poured out' as a sacrifice in service to the faith and rejoicing that others share his service—echoing the theme of sacrificial service and completion of ministry found in 2:30.
- Acts 20:24 (thematic): Paul declares he does not count his life dear and is ready to finish his course and ministry for the gospel — parallels the motif of risking life and facing death for the work of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (thematic): Paul’s catalogue of hardships and repeatedly being near death parallels the language of coming 'close to death' for Christ’s work and the dangers faced in ministry.
- John 15:13 (thematic): Jesus’ saying that no one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends resonates with Epaphroditus’ risking his life for Christ and for Paul’s service to the Philippians.
Alternative generated candidates
- because for the work of Christ he came close to death, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
- for he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I too may be encouraged when I learn how you are.
For I have no one like-minded who will genuinely care for what concerns you.
For they all seek their own interests, not the things of Christ Jesus. But you know Timothy's proven worth: as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Therefore I hope to send him as soon as I see how things will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself also will come shortly.
Yet I judged it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need—
because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was ill.
Indeed he was near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
Therefore I have sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.
Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor.
For he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to supply what was lacking in your service to me.