Two men are given as examples of this concern, and how it is to be seen in us today can be learned by their example. Both of these men, Timotheus and Epaphroditus, had unselfish care for the saints. This is also a choice we make – to know people and their problems involves us in a whole other responsibility than our own interests. In the lives of those who are concerned with themselves only there is self-occupation, the display of self, self-pity, self-centeredness, selfish motivations and self-serving. These things are foreign to the mind of Christ. I have to consider personally, “Is my priority in life my private interests, or the interests of others?”
These two men Paul used as examples were both quiet unassuming men who didn’t live for public acclaim. An evangelist and a teacher who have a public ministry will hopefully be those God uses for His glory, and they know the answers to mans’ need. Not very often do they know the problems that each person in the assembly has. In assembly life we need people like Timotheus and Epaphroditus who can get to the root of the problem because they sincerely care for the people of God and the people know this to be true. Timothy was like Paul in this way because he had been to Philippi and knew the people. He had been saved through Paul’s efforts in the Gospel and had been trained, encouraged and mentored by Paul.
