Philippians 2:19-30 Note
The Interests of Christ
Philippians 2:19-30
Key Verses 21: “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ”.
Introduction: Paul introduces Timothy and Epaphroditus as those who seek the interests of Christ. We can learn how we can become trustworthy servants of God through today’s passage. We can also learn how these two servants of God became trustworthy servants of God.
Look at verses 19-24
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
What was Paul's purpose in sending Timothy to them? (19, 23,24) What qualities did Timothy have that made Paul choose to send him? (20-22) Why do you think these qualities are important?
What was Paul's purpose in sending Timothy to them? (19, 23,24)
Paul wants to be cheered by the news of the Philippians (v.19). He wants to come to the Philippians (v.23-24).
What qualities did Timothy have that made Paul choose to send him? (20-22)
0 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
Paul had many people. But there was no one like Timothy. Paul wants to send Timothy because he concerned about the welfare of the Philippians genuinely. He sought the interests of Christ when all others (they) seek their own interests.
Timothy also served in the gospel with Paul as a son with his father. Paul knew Timothy was trustworthy servant of God because he worked with Timothy.
Why do you think these qualities are important?
Because to have genuine concern for other people, and to seek the interests of Christ first is the first qualification to become a true servant of Christ.
Seeking the interests of Christ instead of himself shows Timothy is a servant of Christ, and Christ can use him as his representative. Timothy can reveal Christ to the Philippians.
Additional note for Question 1.
Verse 19a shows Paul really wants to send Timothy. (v.19a For I have no one like him). It is possible that Paul might have sent some other people to Philippians, but there was no good news from them.
“I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me.” Paul wants to send Timothy after he sees how it will go with him. “How it will go with me” means Paul was waiting for the result of his trial in court. According to the result, he could be released from prison or he would have to stay in prison continually.
Paul wants to visit them. (v.24) 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
But before visiting them, he wants to send Timothy before his visit.
In verses 20-22, Paul explains the reason why he wants to send Timothy. Verses 20-22 “20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”
First of all, Timothy was really concerned about the welfare of the Philippians. Other people seek their own interests. But Timothy was qualified because he sought the interests of Christ.
Timothy’s proven worth: Timothy proved himself that he was worthy. Timothy served in the gospel with Paul just as a son works with his father. The relationship between Paul and Timothy was like father and son. In fact, Timothy was a spiritual son of Paul. Timothy respected Paul like his father and obeyed him. Paul loved him dearly and cared for him. Timothy really served the work of the gospel with Paul. In this way he proved himself as a worthy man.
Additional questions: What can we learn from Paul who sent Timothy when he wanted to know what was going on in the Philippian church and hear the news? Even though Paul was in prison, but he still wanted to send his trustworthy man to the Philippians and know what was going on with them.
What can we learn from Timothy who genuinely sought the interests of Christ and the Philippians? What is the importance of sending a trustworthy man to a church?
One person agreed to study the Bible when the invitor still remembered her personal prayer topics for the health of her mother even after one year. She was moved by the genuine concern of the invitor.
When we meet someone genuinely concerned for our welfare and interests, we are moved.
Another person returned to UBF after several decades because her shepherd was genuinely concerned for her welfare during the decades.
Genuine concern for others moves people’s hearts. Paul was in prison, but he was still genuinely concerned about the welfare of the Philippian church and always cared for them.
Timothy, in the course of working with Paul, must have learned Paul’s genuine concern for the churches. Then, Paul could trust Timothy.
Who can take care of a church? The first qualification could be ‘to have genuine concern’ for others. When we have genuine concern for others, we can know how we should help them.
“Genuine concern for others” is the key factor. We are moved by others who have genuine concern for us because people seek their own interests. (v.21)
2. What does it mean to seek the interests of Christ? (21) What are the interests of Christ? How do you think we can make our interests to be the same as Christ’s?
What does it mean to seek the interests of Christ? (21)
V.21 says “21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
To see the interests of Christ at the cost of one’s own interests. It is natural for people to seek their own interests. In order to seek the interests of Christ, they should deny their desire to seek their own interests.
What are the interests of Christ?
Broadly, it is the salvation of people. Narrowly it is how to help people to grow in the image of Christ. Christ is interested in the salvation of sinners.
How do you think we can make our interests to be the same as Christ’s?
First, we need to give up and sacrifice our own interests. Secondly, we need to think hard what Christ would want in every situation and circumstance. Thirdly, we need to do actually.
Additional notes from Question 2.
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
Paul said “for they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ”. Here, “they” and “all” refer to believers who were with Paul. These people who were with Paul were Christians.
They work for the church. But they seek their own interests first. Not all Christians or church members seek the interests of Christ. It does not mean we should not seek our own interests because we have to take care of our own needs which include our children, parents, finances, job, and etc.
“For they all seek their own interests” means they put their interests first. Their main and major concern is their own interests. The majority of Christians are like them. People like Timothy are very few. This is the picture of a church. The majority of church members seek their own interests.
It is not easy to seek the interests of Christ first, while we need to take care of our own interests and needs. But the mindset and attitude of seeking the interests of Christ first matters. If we have such mindset and attitude to seek the interests of Christ first God will open the way for us.
M. Augustine Kim seeks to invite students to the bible study. Then IRS allowed him to start to work at 6 am, and he could go to campus after work and serve students.
But the problem is to make our own interests as our major interests. Then it may be very hard to serve the interests of Christ.
In Timothy’s case his heart went for the interest of Christ first. Jesus said, “Seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first”. We need to learn how we should seek the interest of Christ first.
How could Timothy have a genuine concern for this church? It was because he was seeking the interests of Christ first. In this way his heart became broader, and he could have genuine concern for them.
Timothy worked with Paul not because of his own interests. But he worked with Paul for the interests of Christ, and he could serve the church too. When we serve the interest of Christ first our hearts are changed, and our hearts became broader, and we can serve others in genuine concern.
What are the interests of Christ? Taking care of God’s flock and church, saving lost souls, building up the church, helping people to grow in the iamge of Christ, expanding the kingdom of God. If we have Jesus’ hearts and serve his interests, we grow in the image of Christ and his character.
Jesus’ character and mindset are sacrificial. If we serve Jesus’ interests first we will end up having Jesus’ mindset. (Christ’s mind) which is to humble ourselves and serve others sacrificially.
Usually, those who seek the interests of Christ show maturity and grow mature. Seeking one’s own interests is childish. It is the mark of immaturity which selfish and self-centered mindset. How can we grow to be in Jesus' image? Seek Christ’s image. Then we can grow and mature in the image of Christ.
3. How did Timothy prove himself as the one who sought the interests of Jesus? (22) Why do you think serving in the gospel together helps us seek the interests of Jesus?"
How did Timothy prove himself as the one who sought the interests of Jesus? (22)
“22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel” (v.22)
Timothy proved his worth through serving with Paul in the gospel like Paul’s son. We can grow spiritually by coworking with our spiritual fathers or mothers or mature servants of God.
Why do you think serving in the gospel together helps us seek the interests of Jesus?"
Because we can learn how to seek the interests of Christ through mature servants of God.
Additional notes for question 3. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel
Serving in gospel work is challenging. But it keeps us safe from all dangers in the world. Serving a mission from God is a blessing, making us fully grow in the image and mindset of Christ.
Having a companion is a blessing because we can be mutually encouraged by the faith of each other.
In joining the work of Christ and serving Christ, we can really grow and become trustworthy men. When we seek a trustworthy person, it is hard to find. But if we seek Christ’s interests, we can grow to be trustworthy people.
Doing gospel work is the way for us to grow and become trustworthy.
V25-30
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
4. Who was Epaphroditus to Paul (25 & Philippians 4:18) and what do these verses tell us about the relationship between him and Paul? Why did Paul want to send Epaphroditus to them? (25a, 26)
Who was Epaphroditus to Paul (25 & Philippians 4:18) and what do these verses tell us about the relationship between him and Paul?
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need” (v.25)
I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Paul regarded him as his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, Philippians’ messenger and minister to his need. Paul did not think himself higher than Epaphroditus. Paul’s relationship with him was equal. As he taught in Php 2:3 “in humility he regarded him more significant than himself”
Why did Paul want to send Epaphroditus to them? (25a, 26)
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
Because he was sick. Paul wants to have less distress by sending him to them. Paul would be more distressed if he had died while he was with him.
Epaphroditus was also longing for them. Being sick in a foreign land would make his heart weak and increase his desire to be with his family members and his friends.
Additional notes for question 4.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
Now we see another man of God. Epaphroditus was a respected leader of the Philippian church. So he brought money (gifts) to Paul and stayed with him for a while. He delivered the words of the Philippian church members to Paul. Now Paul wants to send him back.
Epaphroditus was trusted by the Philippian church. He was trusted by Paul too. Paul called him, “My brother” which shows a very close relationship. He called him “fellow worker and soldiers” which means working together and fighting together for the gospel. They were deeply united in the course of fighting and working for the gospel.
Epaphroditus was another person Paul trusted in addition to Timothy. The Philippian church sent him as one of the most trusted people.
How much was Epaphroditus sick? He almost died. Epaphroditus wanted to go back to the Philippian church, too. Paul wanted the Philippians to see him again, and they might be released from their worries and anxiety in their hearts. For this reason, Paul wanted to send him back.
5. What happened to Epaphroditus? (27a) How did God show his mercy, and what can we learn from it? (27b)
What happened to Epaphroditus? (27a)
“Indeed he was ill, near to death” (v.28a) He was very sick to the point of death. He could have died there while he was with Paul.
How did God show his mercy, and what can we learn from it? (27b)
“But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow” (v.27b)
God showed his mercy to Paul by saving Epaphroditus. God showed mercy to Paul, saving him from another sorrow.
God saves us from excessive sorrow. We face sorrow. But we can see God’s mercy even at times of sorrows.
Additional notes for question 5. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (v.27)
Here, Paul had a lot of sorrow because of his own situation and a lot of problems.
Additional question: What can we learn from Epaphroditus’s serious sickness and God’s mercy? Through God’s mercy Epaphroditus survived and brought great joy to the Philippian church members.
When Epaphroditus was sick, the church prayed for him in unity; when he was healed, they could rejoice. The church supported him for his healing.
One coworker went through a lot of difficulties in his study of Nurse Practitioner, but finally he finished the classes and graduated. Many people prayed for him. Through God’s mercy, he graduated. Human calculation shows he could not graduate. But he did it due to the prayer support. So he is so thankful for the prayers of other people.
Another woman went through 40 hours of labor for her baby. Then her father asked emergency prayer from his fellow group, and God heard their prayer, and a baby came out miraculously.
Still another person says right after a joint prayer, one person agreed to come to the Summer Bible Conference. God hears our prayers.
One thing we can learn here is that God really cares the difficult situations or sorrows of his servants. Paul had a lot of sorrow. We think Paul was a strong man and always rejoiced. But he had much sorrow. But God comforted him. He did it by healing Epaphroditus.
6. What did Paul expect from sending Epaphroditus to them? (28) How did Paul tell them to welcome Epaphroditus, and why? (29,30) What do you think Timothy and Epaphroditus had in common? How do you think we can become more like Timothy and Epaphroditus? (Philippians 2:1-8)
What did Paul expect from sending Epaphroditus to them? (28)
“28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious” (v.28)
Paul expected their rejoicing and less anxiety of his own. Paul was anxious as he sought the interests of Epaphroditus and the Philippians.
How did Paul tell them to welcome Epaphroditus, and why? (29,30)
“29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (v.29,30)
Welcome him in the Lord with all joy and honor him. The reason was he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what the Philippians could not do (lacking) in their service to Paul.
What do you think Timothy and Epaphroditus had in common?
Both sought the interests of Christ. In doing so, they were ready to sacrifice their own interests.
How do you think we can become more like Timothy and Epaphroditus? (Philippians 2:1-8)
By having the mind of Christ, which is ours in Christ Jesus. It means to have a humble heart. It means to be ready to sacrifice our own desires, no matter how challenging it is.
Additional notes for Question 6
28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Philippian church members worried that they could not see Epaphroditus again. So when they saw him they would be really rejoicing. In addition, Paul would be less anxious. Paul was anxious because of his condition. He said, “I may be less anxious”.
Paul gave them the instructions on how they should welcome him. “Welcoming with all joy and honor”. “For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me”
Another question: What can we learn from Paul’s instruction for Epaphroditus? How could Timothy and Epaphroditus become trustworthy? And why did Paul want to send them to the Philippians?
To be recognized by Jesus as his brother/sister, his fellow worker, and his soldier, is important as Paul introduced Epaphroditus.
“Received him and honor such men. For he nearly died for the work of Christ”. These kinds of people should be recognized by church people. They will be recognized by Christ as good and faithful servants. These kinds of people will be honored in heavenly glory.
If Jesus calls us “my brother, sister, fellow worker, and soldiers,” it will be a great honor for us. We will be “such men”.
The common thing between Timothy and Epaphroditus: Both of them sought the interests of Christ. “The work of Christ” refers to the interests of Christ, going through all hardship together with Paul. These two people became Christ-like people and trustworthy servants of Christ, bringing a lot of comfort to the church. They could become really good coworkers for Paul too.
Timothy and Epaphroditus became good coworkers for Paul, not because of their personal qualities but because they sought the interests of Christ. When they saw that Paul was seeking the interests of Christ, they realized supporting Paul was the way to seek the interests of Christ. And they became good coworkers.
The Philippian church was divided because of the two women coworkers. They sought the interests of their own rather than the interests of Christ. But Timothy and Epaphroditus became good coworkers of Paul because they sought the interests of Christ and were able to be united with Paul.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
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Copyright © 2025 LA UBF All rights reserved.