Paul
has been shifting back and forth about whether he might soon die or
be able to visit Philippi again. A person in prison could easily lose
confidence about being released.
So,
in the meantime, Paul planned to send the young pastor Timothy.
Paul’s confidence in Timothy was sky high. Speaking of Timothy as a
spiritual son, Paul praised the younger man’s devotion to Christ.
Not only would Timothy do good work in building up the Philippian
church, but he would also be able to warm Paul’s heart by bringing
back news about the congregation.
As
Bible passages go, this one might look less important than many other
texts. The comments here can seem like housekeeping details.
Yet
even such everyday matters are vital. We all need pastors.
We all need elders who will encourage our devotion to Christ. Church
council meetings, committees, producing the weekly bulletin: these
are the ordinary activities of the church and may not seem terribly
important.
But
housekeeping details keep the church on track and help it fulfill its
Great Commission. God is in the details. There are no ordinary acts
of Christian service. All things are holy when we do them for the
Lord!