What Would Paul Write about You?

by David Rollert

In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul speaks at length about his desire to send Timothy to work with the church in Philippi, and that he was sending Epaphroditus to them with this letter. Paul spends a good amount of space praising these men who genuinely cared for the Philippians’ welfare. He describes their selfless service and the concern Epaphroditus felt because they heard he was sick. There are a number of places throughout the New Testament where Paul writes about individuals by name. Sometimes he is praising their faith and willingness to serve; other times he condemns people by name as false teachers or selfish.

This got me thinking: if Paul mentioned you or me in a letter, what would he say? Would he say we are faithful and selfless in our service to Christ? Or would he say we are selfish and lax in doctrine? I imagine we would all want him to write something positive about us. But let’s be honest with ourselves; we fall short in many ways. Consider your past conduct in the following areas and ask yourself: would Paul write something positive, or do I need to grow in that area?

Of Timothy, Paul writes, “For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare” (Phil. 2:20). In your life, could you say that you are of a kindred spirit with people like Paul, genuinely concerned about the spiritual welfare of your fellow Christians? Or does his next statement describe you better? “For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:20).

Paul also writes of Timothy: “he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father” (Phil. 2:22). Do you serve alongside your fellow Christians in spreading the gospel? Are you willing to sacrifice your time to evangelize, to encourage, to teach? Or do you feel like you have more important things to do with your time? Most would not say it so concisely, but are a dozen excuses always on hand whenever an opportunity to serve comes up?

Paul calls Epaphroditus “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier” (Phil. 2:25). He says, “he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick” (Phil. 2:26). Could you accurately be described as a fellow worker and soldier of Christ? When the church is striving together, are you right there striving alongside them? In the midst of spiritual warfare, are you on the front lines fighting alongside your brethren, or comfortably watching from a distance? When things get tough, are you suddenly gone? Do you shrink back from labor for the Lord?

How did you fare in this self-analysis? If you fall short, don’t despair. Every day is a new day with fresh opportunities to serve. Going forward, resolve that your conduct will reflect that of a fellow worker and soldier of Christ, putting Christ and others first and relegating your own selfish desires to the back burner.

Watch the full lesson!

Imitating the Mind of Christ is a study on Philippians chapter 2, and part of an ongoing series of lessons from Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Check out the full series of lessons on

"Unity When Enduring Adversity"