Uniting Heaven and Earth
Christ in Philippians and Colossians
Lesson 5 - Thursday
Hold Such Men in Esteem
Read Philippians 2:25–30
In Philippians 2:25–30, Paul pauses his theological teaching to shine a light on a faithful servant: Epaphroditus. Paul does not praise him casually or with vague compliments. Instead, he uses strong, deliberate language that reveals both Epaphroditus’s character and the kind of Christian life worthy of honor.
Paul calls Epaphroditus “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.” Each title carries weight. As a brother, Epaphroditus shared a deep spiritual bond with Paul—rooted not in convenience, but in Christ. As a fellow worker, he labored sacrificially for the gospel, not as a spectator, but as an active participant. As a fellow soldier, he accepted hardship and risk, understanding that gospel ministry involves spiritual battle and personal cost.
Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippian church to bring a gift to Paul and to minister to him during his imprisonment. What may have seemed like a simple assignment turned into something far more demanding. Paul tells us that Epaphroditus became gravely ill—so ill that he nearly died. Yet the most striking detail is not his sickness, but his concern. He was distressed, not because he suffered, but because the Philippians had heard of his illness and were worried about him. His heart was turned outward, even in weakness.
Paul makes it clear that Epaphroditus did not shrink back when things became costly. He “risked his life” to complete the work of Christ and to make up for the help the church could not personally give. This was not reckless bravery, but self-forgetful devotion. Epaphroditus valued faithfulness over comfort and obedience over safety.
There are other subtle details that deepen the picture. Paul speaks tenderly about him, acknowledging God’s mercy in sparing his life—and sparing Paul additional sorrow. This shows the deep relational bond between them. Epaphroditus was not merely useful; he was loved. Ministry for Paul was never just about tasks, but about people shaped by Christlike humility.
Because of all this, Paul urges the church to “receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such men in esteem.” Honor, in the Christian sense, is not reserved for the impressive, the powerful, or the visible. It is given to those who quietly pour themselves out for Christ and others. Epaphroditus did not seek recognition, yet Paul insists he deserves it.
To emulate Epaphroditus is to adopt his posture of life: willing service, deep concern for others, courage in suffering, and faithfulness even when no applause is guaranteed. Christians today are called to the same spirit—to see ministry not as a platform, but as an offering; not as a path to recognition, but as a response to Christ’s love. We honor people like Epaphroditus best when we follow their example.
Prayer
Lord God,
Thank You for the example of faithful servants like Epaphroditus. Teach us to value humility over recognition, faithfulness over comfort, and obedience over self-preservation. Shape our hearts to care deeply for others, even when it costs us something. Help us to honor those who quietly labor for Your kingdom and to become people worthy of such esteem ourselves—not for our glory, but for Yours. Strengthen us to serve Christ wholeheartedly, whatever the cost. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More on Lesson 5 Shining as Lights in the Night
This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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