Philippians 2:20
Verse
Context
Sermons
Daniel Steele
Gipsey SmithSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I have no man like-minded - None of all my fellow helpers in the Gospel have the same zeal and affectionate concern for your prosperity in every respect as he has. He is ισοψυχος· of the same soul; a man after my own heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
His reason for sending Timothy above all others: I have none so "like-minded," literally, "like-souled," with myself as is Timothy. Compare Deu 13:6, "Thy friend which is as thine own soul" (Psa 55:14). Paul's second self. naturally--Greek, "genuinely"; "with sincere solicitude." A case wherein the Spirit of God so changed man's nature, that to be natural was with him to be spiritual: the great point to be aimed at.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For all seek their own,.... Meaning not every individual, but the greatest part; and not merely such as were manifestly false teachers, but such as were with the apostle, as ministers of the word; and we may suppose him to be stripped, by one means or another, of the more valuable preachers of the Gospel, and to be in much such a case as he describes himself to be, in Ti2 4:10. He had none with him, excepting a very few, but such as he speaks of in the preceding chapter, that preached Christ of envy, strife, and contention; and these chiefly sought their own worldly interest and advantage; they sought great things for themselves, and looked every man for his gain from his quarter, Demas like, loving this present world, Ti2 4:10; they sought for dominion and authority over men, and their faith, to lord it over God's heritage, as Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, Jo3 1:9; they sought for popular applause, for honour and glory of men, as the Pharisees of old did; and particularly their own ease and health, and did not choose to undertake such a fatiguing journey as from Rome to Philippi: not the things which are Jesus Christ; they had no true regard to the Gospel of Christ, to the continuance, establishment, and spread of it in the world, or in any particular place; nor any hearty affection for the ordinances of Christ, and the retaining and preserving of them in their purity and simplicity; nor for the churches of Christ, and their spiritual good and welfare, as the Jews formerly, they cared not if the house of God lay waste, provided they dwelt in their ceiled houses; nor had they any concern for the honour and glory of Christ. But Timothy was a man of a quite different spirit and complexion; and which is another reason of the apostle's sending him to this place and people.
Philippians 2:20
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing.20I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs.21For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
St. Paul's Classification of the Corinthian Church in Two Classes.
By Daniel Steele01CO 2:131CO 3:3PHP 2:20HEB 5:13Daniel Steele preaches on the distinction between the natural man, devoid of spiritual perception, and the spiritual man who has a clear understanding of divine realities. In 1 Corinthians, St. Paul encounters a challenge in classifying the Corinthian church, as they are described as babes in Christ with a low level of spiritual life yet sanctified in Jesus Christ. While the Corinthians show signs of transformation and enrichment in spiritual gifts, their spirituality is tainted with carnality, leading St. Paul to address them as 'carnal' due to lingering perversity and uncrucified works of the flesh.
No Distinct Classes in the New Testament
By Daniel Steele0ROM 8:71CO 3:1GAL 5:16PHP 2:201PE 2:2Daniel Steele preaches on the distinction between the spiritual and less spiritual classes within the New Testament churches, as highlighted by Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Philippians. Paul's classification of church members in Corinth as 'babes in Christ' and 'carnal' reflects the existence of distinct classes based on spiritual maturity. While some were described as 'spiritual,' others were criticized for seeking their own interests over Jesus Christ's. Despite the offensive distinction, Wesley never categorized believers in such a divisive manner.
The Apostolic Church
By Gipsey Smith01SA 18:1ACT 20:21CO 12:25PHP 2:20TIT 1:4The preacher discusses the concept of 'kindred spirit' or 'isopsuchos' as seen in the relationship between Paul and Timothy, highlighting their like-mindedness, shared feelings, and genuine concern for each other and the church. This unique bond allowed them to easily work together and care for others sincerely, reflecting spiritual maturity. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a 'like-souled' companion in life, someone who shares your spirit and values, like Timothy was to Paul. It also encourages believers to be encouragers, showing care and support for others in need, as exemplified by Timothy's ministry of encouragement.
The Christian Temper as Illustrated in the Friends of Paul
By A.B. Simpson0Selfless ServiceChristian FellowshipPHP 2:20A.B. Simpson emphasizes the exemplary Christian temper as demonstrated by the friends of Paul, particularly focusing on Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy is portrayed as a loyal and selfless helper, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice, while Epaphroditus exemplifies a considerate friend who risked his life to support Paul. Both figures illustrate the qualities of humility, devotion, and unselfishness that are essential for true Christian fellowship and service. Simpson encourages believers to aspire to these noble characteristics, which reflect the heart of Christ in their relationships and ministries. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to serving others in love and humility, as modeled by these faithful companions of Paul.
Philippians Chapter 3 the Christian Temper as Illustrated in the Friends of Paul
By A.B. Simpson0Selfless ServiceChristian FriendshipPHP 2:20A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of Christian friendship and service as illustrated by the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 3. He highlights Timothy's loyalty and selflessness as a true helper in the Gospel, contrasting it with the self-seeking nature of many. Epaphroditus is portrayed as a considerate friend who risked his life to serve Paul, demonstrating the spirit of sacrifice and humility. Simpson calls for believers to embody these qualities of service and self-forgetfulness, which reflect the heart of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to strive for the higher calling of Christ-like character in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I have no man like-minded - None of all my fellow helpers in the Gospel have the same zeal and affectionate concern for your prosperity in every respect as he has. He is ισοψυχος· of the same soul; a man after my own heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
His reason for sending Timothy above all others: I have none so "like-minded," literally, "like-souled," with myself as is Timothy. Compare Deu 13:6, "Thy friend which is as thine own soul" (Psa 55:14). Paul's second self. naturally--Greek, "genuinely"; "with sincere solicitude." A case wherein the Spirit of God so changed man's nature, that to be natural was with him to be spiritual: the great point to be aimed at.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For all seek their own,.... Meaning not every individual, but the greatest part; and not merely such as were manifestly false teachers, but such as were with the apostle, as ministers of the word; and we may suppose him to be stripped, by one means or another, of the more valuable preachers of the Gospel, and to be in much such a case as he describes himself to be, in Ti2 4:10. He had none with him, excepting a very few, but such as he speaks of in the preceding chapter, that preached Christ of envy, strife, and contention; and these chiefly sought their own worldly interest and advantage; they sought great things for themselves, and looked every man for his gain from his quarter, Demas like, loving this present world, Ti2 4:10; they sought for dominion and authority over men, and their faith, to lord it over God's heritage, as Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, Jo3 1:9; they sought for popular applause, for honour and glory of men, as the Pharisees of old did; and particularly their own ease and health, and did not choose to undertake such a fatiguing journey as from Rome to Philippi: not the things which are Jesus Christ; they had no true regard to the Gospel of Christ, to the continuance, establishment, and spread of it in the world, or in any particular place; nor any hearty affection for the ordinances of Christ, and the retaining and preserving of them in their purity and simplicity; nor for the churches of Christ, and their spiritual good and welfare, as the Jews formerly, they cared not if the house of God lay waste, provided they dwelt in their ceiled houses; nor had they any concern for the honour and glory of Christ. But Timothy was a man of a quite different spirit and complexion; and which is another reason of the apostle's sending him to this place and people.