Genuine Apostolic Succession
Apostolic succession has been a hot theological topic throughout the ages. Roman Catholics often build their case for papal authority (against Sola Scriptura) by saying that the pope inherited the authority vested in the apostle Peter by succession.
On the other hand, Timothy is often seen as Paul’s successor. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks highly of his beloved child in the faith and their colleague Epaphroditus. We glimpse genuine apostolic succession in this little paragraph of missions itinerary, and if we look closely, it will strengthen us for Christlikeness.
True confession: I often skim longer Scripture quotations when I come across them in books or articles. I’m sure I’m not alone. Let’s not do that this time; take a deep breath and read with care:
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” (Philippians 2:19–30, ESV)
Selfless Concern for One Another
Of the many things we could highlight in this passage (the implications for missiological logistics are significant!), I think Paul is intentionally modeling something for this Philippian church. Notice what he highlights about these two brothers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy will have a genuine concern for the welfare of the Philippian church. Epaphroditus — though deathly ill — is more concerned with addressing the Philippian anxiety over his wellbeing and the success of his mission to bring Paul aid.
Moreover, Paul is in prison, and he sends away his closest and dearest companion. He has no one like Timothy, yet he sends away his right hand for the sake of the Philippians.
The key is in verse 21: “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Sound familiar? It reads so similarly to verse 4 where Paul instructed the congregation to be more like Jesus:
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
In these two paragraphs, Paul teaches that genuine apostolic succession isn’t simply a matter of authority, education, position, power, or doctrine. No, it’s the dying-in-the-place-of-sinners selflessness that Jesus passed on to Paul, who passed it on to Timothy and Epaphroditus and comes to you this evening just like it did the Philippians.
New Testament, Apostolic Christians count others more significant than themselves, especially in hardship… just like Jesus did. So seek your selfless Lord who knelt to wash feet in prayer tonight and find a way to serve others tomorrow.
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5, ESV)