Philippians 2:25-30
Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow-soldier, your messenger and minister to my need; for he has been longing for all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people, because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.
Even the healthiest of families is always a bit unhealthy; even the most functional of communities is always a bit dysfunctional. We don’t often like to admit it, instead comparing our particular family, or set of friends, or congregation to the ideal, striving to pretend that’s just who we are, anxious or embarrassed about admitting that we fall short.
The same is true of the fledgling Christian community in Philippi, and in this particular portion of Paul’s letter he is delicately and diplomatically dealing with some of that dysfunction. We can’t know the details for certain, but it appears that the Philippians sent one of their community, a man named Epaphroditus, to Paul to support him during his time of imprisonment. So Epaphroditus went to Paul, bringing him supplies, gifts, and the love and encouragement of the Philippian community. And then, apparently, he got sick. Very sick. To the point, Paul, says, that he nearly died.
We know what it’s like to hear word of a friend’s illness – the phone calls and emails that we look forward to but also dread, wondering what news the will bring. Now imagine that same situation, except there are no calls and letters take days or weeks to get through. And so there is anxiety, and concern, and confusion about just what happened to Epaphroditus and what is going on with him now.
Which is where the dysfunction seems to come in to play. While we can’t be sure, Paul’s explicit description of Epaphroditus’ condition seems to move beyond the mere report of a recovery to assure folks that, indeed, Epaphroditus really was very sick and should be received home with honor. Again, we can’t know for certain, but we may wonder whether some feared that Epaphroditus’ illness became a burden for Paul, or whether Epaphroditus, because of his weakened condition, failed to offer the support to Paul the congregation had hoped he would, or whether some even wondered whether Epaphroditus was really sick in the first place or only feigned illness to cover his own weakness.
Whatever the case – and perhaps Paul does not know for certain either – the Apostle writes carefully and clearly and oh so diplomatically to ensure that Epaphroditus is given a hero’s welcome home.
Yes, even the healthiest of communities has its share of disease. But then, as the messiah Paul worshipped once said, a doctor comes not for the healthy but the sick. So are you not going to church because the congregation is troubled? Sorry, but there are no perfect Christian communities. Or perhaps you’re staying away because you want to get your act a little more together before braving a public appearance at church? Trust me – the flawed but redeemed community we call the church is just the place for people like you…and me…and folks like the Philippians.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us that you seek out the lost, heal the sick, welcome the outcast, and love the unlovable. Always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Recent Comments