Philippians 2:25

“But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus — my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need —”

Paul is sending back to the Philippians, Epaphroditus, with this letter. For it was Epaphroditus who brought the generous care package to Paul from the Philippians. 

Paul starts his profile of Epaphroditus by calling him ‘my brother’.  The two were not born to the same parents and did not grow up in the same home but Paul calls him ‘my brother’.  

These two men were both ‘born again’. They had the same Heavenly Father and so they were part of the same family. This is an eternal family and both Paul and Epaphroditus had eternal life because they both had: “a righteousness that does not come from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ , a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”  Philippians 3:9

Paul calls both those he is presently ministering with as well as the Philippians, to whom he is writing, ‘his brothers’…

Philippians 1:12

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me….”

Philippians 1:14

“Most of the brothers have gained confidence from…”

Philippians 3:1

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord…”

Philippians 3:13

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own’

Philippians 4:1

“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for…”

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true…”

Philippians 4:21

“Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send their greetings.”

Like Epaphroditus, the Philippian believers who would receive this letter had the same Father and the same Savior. They were ‘brothers’. They were ‘family’. 

Prayer. 

Thank You Father for the Family of God. Thank You for my brothers and sisters who have a new and right relationship with You because they were born again into your family. Help me today to be a blessing to ‘my family’. In Jesus Name, Amen.