Timothy is quite some man in the New Testament.
Timothy has two divinely inspired letters to himself, and he appears in various other places too.
Timothy was Paul's partner in the Gospel which meant more than just getting converts.
There was a caring for those who are in Christ.
We have to be interested in what happens afterwards - after someone comes to believe in Jesus.
We can almost hear the echo of the voice of Jesus here.
Are you interested in and concerned about the people I am interested in and concerned about? These thoughts and lessons emerge from my recent careful and prayerful reading and study of Paul's profound letter to the Philippians.
Do take time and even make time to read it.
These findings flow from the closing verses of Chapter 2, where Paul wants to send Timothy, his colleague, back to Philippi.
We have to cultivate a heart like that of Timothy.
Have these qualifications where compassion and care and concern can be put into action, and where we can be partners in the work of the Gospel.
It is not, what will suit me, or be convenient for me, my life, or my future, or my promotion prospects, or my - whatever it might be! Is it not when we most inconvenience ourselves that God blesses in a special way? Timothy was willing to live at this level of commitment and discipleship.
He had learned his trade from Paul.
Here are father and son working together in the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am going to send Epaphroditus too.
You sent him to me, from Philippi, with some money.
He also came as a manservant to help Paul in his prison house? We do know that for a time he was a prisoner in his own rented accommodation.
You have no idea how much he means to me.
Paul valued real friendship.
He is a brother.
He works alongside me.
He battles with me as a fellow soldier.
You cannot serve Paul without getting involved in some of his interests.
But Epaphroditus became sick and probably Paul had to spend some time looking after him.
He almost lost his life.
He just became worse and worse.
There is no trace of, "Why did God let that happen here? Does Jesus Christ not consider that I have enough problems?" This was an added sorrow to Paul and it caused distress in Philippi.
They heard back in Philippi that Epaphroditus had fallen ill and this distressed him.
Paul did not presume that God would automatically heal him, and that he would recover, but God had mercy.
This whole passage is so relevant and practical.
No amount of writing would deal with this concern, so that is why I feel it necessary to send him back to you.
Now, "No saying, 'what are you doing back here'"? Give him a hero's welcome! Honour such a man.
He has been willing to throw away life itself, in service and in ministering.
Such men are rare and deserve high honour.
It will be the homecoming of a hero not a deserter.
He risked or he gambled with his life.
He has been trying to do what you could not do, so he is not returning in defeat.
He has been faithful to the point of death.
Now, that is high praise indeed.
There were only two others whom we are told of who risked their lives for Paul and they are Priscilla and Aquila.
Epaphroditus is my brother and a fellow worker and a soldier and he has been ministering to and looking after my needs.
Do you see how the words just seem to pile up in recognition of his service? Jesus dropped all rank to come and serve and shine and die.
These three men were so like Jesus, in this Chapter of Philippians, Paul and Timothy and Epaphroditus, as they followed Christ.
Sandy Shaw