Section 9
Christ, but not to the extent to which Paul and Timothy experienced Him.
I was shocked when I first read that apart from Timothy Paul had no one like-souled who would genuinely care for the things concerning the saints in Philippi. Were there not others who also had a genuine concern for the churches? Yes, there were, but their concern was not the same in soul as Paul's concern.
RISKING OUR SOUL
In Philippians 2:25 Paul speaks of Epaphro ditus, referring to him as "my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier." Paul also tells the Philippian believers that Epaphroditus was their apostle, one sent with a commission, and a priestly minister to his need. A priestly minister is one whose ministry is like that of a priest. All New Testament believers are priests to God (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6). Hence, our ministry to the Lord, in whatever aspect, is a priestly ministry, a priestly service (Phil. 2:17, 30).
In Philippians 2:30 Paul points out a striking feature of Epaphroditus. Here Paul tells us that for the work of Christ Epaphroditus "drew near even unto death, risking his life, that he might fill up your lack of service toward me." The Greek