16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
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.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet 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.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
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.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet 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.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
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