But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Philippians 2:19-24

When we think about the ministry of Paul, we probably don’t think about all the people who were involved in serving The Lord and the Church. No Christian is a “lone wolf” , we are all part of the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in The Lord. Nobody is greater than anyone else, the least shall be called the greatest. 

Paul tells the Church that Timothy is coming to help serve the Church, a man that Paul trusted so much , he considered him a spiritual son. As Paul said “he has served with me in the gospel”. Being a servant of Christ is our calling, whether your preaching, or ministering, or even just helping out, we are all in this together as the body of Christ

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Philippians 2:25-29

Paul mentions another brother in Christ , named Epaphroditus. Not only does he call him a brother, but a soldier in Christ. This should be our approach and mentality as Christians, soldiers for Jesus Christ. We are in a spiritual battle with demonic forces everyday! 

Now Epaphroditus had an illness that almost killed him and the Church grieved deeply for him. However as Paul said “God had mercy on him” and prolonged his life to serve the Kingdom. God can use our trials and tribulations, not only for His glory but also to revive the Church. As Paul said “When you see him again, you may rejoice”

We are all in this together, the body of Christ, the soldiers of The Lord, rejoice in one another and serve The Lord, Amen!