Yesterday I wrote a reference letter for a young lady applying to various colleges. When drafting such a letter, I always try to be positive, yet I’m also compelled to be honest. I want to be complimentary but also credible.
How much more so would truthfulness and trustworthiness mark the writers of the New Testament? Not only were they men of integrity, but they actually “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). So any letter of recommendation from them would be completely accurate, with no embellishment whatsoever.
This makes the character reference for Timothy and Ephaphroditus in Paul’s letter to the Philippians all the more impressive. In chapter 2, Paul sums up his assessment of these men in two paragraphs. Read them carefully, as if these men were being recommended to you for service:
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
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, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 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. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. (Phil. 2:19-30)
As I read Paul’s description of these two men, four qualities stand out:
Genuine concern - Paul said of Timothy, “I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” Considering all the people that Paul knew, that’s impressive! Furthermore, Paul mentioned that Epaphroditus was “distressed” that people were worried sick about his being sick! These two men were genuinely concerned for others.
Proven worth - “But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel” (Phil. 2:22). Acts 16 describes Paul’s first encounter with Timothy, who was already “a disciple … well spoken of by the brothers” (Acts 16:1-2). Timothy’s reputation continued to build, and he became a faithful pastor. Ephaphroditus proved his worth too, “for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life…” (Phil. 2:30).
Team spirit - Paul said that his relationship with Timothy was like a son working with his father. Paul described Ephaphroditus as “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier.” These men were team players! They were the kind of guys that would stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers in serving the Lord and “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
Choice representatives - Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon” (Phil. 2:19), and then adds, “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus” (Phil. 2:25). These were the men that Paul wanted representing him, and more importantly, representing Christ. Timothy’s name means “honor God.” Ephaphroditus’ name means “beautiful” or “charming.” Both of these men lived up to their names! They were choice representatives of Jesus Christ.
In writing this recommendation to the Philippians, Paul tells them to receive such men “in the Lord with all joy and honor” (Phil. 2:29). Welcome them! Publicly commend them! Even though humble Christians don’t serve in order to be recognized, thankful Christians are quick to commend such faithful servants and to do so publicly. Jesus himself did so on occasion.
Celebrate people who serve others like Jesus.
Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ.”
Paul said in Philippians 2:21, “They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
Warren Wiersbe wrote, “In a very real sense, all of us live either in Philippians 1:21 or Philippians 2:21!” That is to say, we are either living for Christ, or we are living for ourselves.
How are you living? What kind of reference would Jesus give you?