multiplying mutual ministry

I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

Philippians 2:28

Paul was a high capacity leader, but he wisely always shared his ministry with other leaders that he picked up on his many journeys. He distributed the burden of ministry. He shared the load. He raised up leaders. He entrusted responsibility. Paul sent others into the same situations he faced with confidence in them and commendation of them. This pattern is seen all across the book of Acts, as well as in Paul’s letters to churches and individuals. Paul made disciples who owned ministry with and alongside him.

In the second chapter of Philippians we see two examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Look at their descriptions…

Timothy

• coming sometime after the epistles arrived
• would cheer Paul by returning with news
• genuinely concerned for the welfare of the Philippian church
• proven worth
• like a son to Paul

Epaphroditus

• a fellow worker and fellow soldier
• a messenger and minister sent by the Philippian church to help Paul
• longed to return home to Philippi
• had been seriously ill, but God had healed him
• nearly died to carry on the mission
• would ease Paul’s concerns by returning to Philippi with the letter

Both these men multiplied Paul’s ministry impact. Both owned specific ministries. Both were uniquely gifted. Both wanted to help make disciples at Philippi: Epaphroditus as an insider member of the church returning home and Timothy as a gifted and caring ministry partner of Paul’s. Paul knew these two would do well with their assignments and could do what Paul could not do while he was imprisoned. That is why mutual ministry is so crucial to the spread of the gospel. We serve Christ together.