John Calvin Commentary Philippians 2:25

"But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;" — Philippians 2:25 (ASV)

I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus. After having encouraged them with the promise of his own coming and that of Timothy, he also strengthens them for the present by sending Epaphroditus in advance, so that meanwhile, while he awaited the outcome of his own affairs (for this was the cause of his delay), they might not lack a pastor who would ensure that matters were properly managed.

Now, he recommends Epaphroditus with many distinctions — that he is his brother and helper in the affairs of the gospel, and that he is his fellow-soldier. By this term, he indicates the condition of ministers of the gospel: they are engaged in constant warfare, for Satan will not allow them to promote the gospel without a struggle.

Therefore, let those who prepare themselves to build up the Church know that war is declared against them and prepared. This, indeed, is common to all Christians — to be soldiers in the camp of Christ, for Satan is the enemy of all. However, it is particularly applicable to ministers of the word, who go before the army and bear the standard. Paul, especially, could boast of his military service, since he was tested to an extraordinary degree in every kind of conflict. Accordingly, he commends Epaphroditus because he had been his companion in these conflicts.

The term Apostle here, as in many other passages, is generally taken to mean any evangelist, unless someone prefers to understand it as meaning an ambassador sent by the Philippians, so that it may be understood as combining these two things — an ambassador to provide service to Paul. However, the former meaning is, in my opinion, more suitable. He also mentions, among other things to his praise, that he had ministered to him in prison — a matter that will be discussed more fully soon.