Philippians 2:26-27

“Since he (Epaphroditus) has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him…”

Epaphroditus was charged with the delivery of the care package to Paul. This task was urgent for the Apostle who was in dire need…

Philippians 4:14

“You did well by partnering with me in my hardship.”

Yet despite how critical the delivery of care was it did not trump the care of the deliverer. The Philippians needed to know how Epaphroditus was doing? He was the one to take the package because he was the one who was most reliable – and now he was sick.  Sickness in the first century, before any real medical care – often ended in death. But God showed mercy…

Philippians 4:27

“However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one grief on top of another.”

God showed mercy:

– to Epaphroditus 

– to the Philippians 

– to the Apostle Paul

There may be additional care packages but there was only one Epaphroditus and both Paul and the Philippians were not ready to lose him. For the time being God spared his life and showed mercy. 

Prayer. 

Thank You Father that You are merciful and that You do intervene as You hear our pleas and as You care for your children. I trust You that have heard and will continue to hear my prayers and that You will show mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen.