Paul’s Helpers in the Ministry
Philippians 2:19-30
Andres C. Guevara Jr.
February 14, 2018- WED p.m.

Two of Paul’s greatest helpers in the ministry were Timothy and Epaphroditus.
How these two names become a good helper of the Apostle Paul:

     I-TIMOTHY AS HELPER OF PAUL IN THE MINISTRY

          A.Timothy was likeminded – v.19-20 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. ²⁰ For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”

To be a good helper in the ministry you must have the same mindset with the man you are working.Remember Paul is addressing to all the saints at Philippi with the bishops and deacons. And he writes unto to the Philippians to be likeminded (v.2) and be likeminded with Christ (v.5)

Paul want someone with a ministry minded like him to know the state of the Philippians, so he sent timothy. Paul and Timothy work together with the same mindset in the ministry that makes them more comfortable with each other.

No men can serve together except they agreed.—Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

          B.Timothy was caring and Compassionate – v.20 “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”

Timothy’s care and compassion shows that he possessed one of the greatest attributes of a servant of God.

Timothy cares for the people whom Paul cares too. They both have the same heart for these brethren in Philippi.

Paul always care for all the churches of God whom he ministered and he expected Timothy his partner to be the same.

2 Corinthians 11:28 “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches

          C. Timothy was Christ-centered – v.21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”

Paul explained why he choose to send Timothy because all seek their own and not concerned for the things of the Lord Jesus Christ.) Timothy was Christ-centered like Paul who was a very unselfish minister unlike most of the modern preachers of today who are self-centered and not mind of the things of Christ.

          D. Timothy close relationship with Paul– v.22 “But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.”

Timothy was Paul’s adopted son in the ministry, and Paul was like a father to Timothy which creates a very close relationship with each other. The best helpers are extremely close like family to the men whom they work with.

People know the proof that Paul and Timothy serve together as father and son in the gospel. The proof of strong relationship that Timothy as son with respect, trust, and obedience to Paul and Paul as father being an example, trainer, teacher to Timothy.

     II-EPAPHRODITUS AS HELPER OF PAUL IN THE MINISTRY

          A.Epaphroditus was a reliable partner– v.25 “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.”

Epaphroditus was Paul beloved brother, faithful co-labourer and fellow soldier. Besides, Epaphroditus ministered to God’s minister and humble enough and willing to obey Paul as messenger to the Philippians.

Epaphroditus was the kind of man Paul would not hesitant to consider under any circumstances.

          B.Epaphroditus had a good reputation – v.29 “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:”

Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”              

Epaphroditus didn’t use anyone neither the churches of God to get rich, but rather he serves to earned good reputation whom he is worthy of. People should gladly receive the servant with good reputation.

          C.Epaphroditus serves sacrificially – v.30 “Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”

Epaphroditus was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his beloved preacher and for his dearest brethren to whom he ministered. He sacrifice himself nearly unto death not regarding his life just to serve the needs of Paul.

Epaphroditus was there not only on smooth times of the ministry but even on rough moments, he was not only an starter but also a finisher. He will not quit until the end. He was with Paul side by side and always will to encourage and protects the man of God.

The couple who are willing to lay down their lives for Paul’s life.--Romans 16:3-5 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: ⁴ Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”