have occasion to shew, in discussing the subject before us.
St. Paul was now a prisoner at Rome, not knowing whether he should be liberated or put to death. In this state, he was extremely anxious about his con- verts at Philippi, who were themselves in a state of great suffering from enemies, whilst they were ex- posed to the more fatal assaults of pretended friends, who laboured to turn them from the faith. He longed exceedingly to know how they stood their ground ; and wished to draw his information from a source which he could fully depend on. But he had only Timothy with him ; and how to part with so dear a friend, under his present circumstances, he knew not. Yet, on the whole, he determined to exercise this self-denial ; and to send Timothy to encourage them, and to bring him the desired information : for he had " no man with him that was like-minded with Timothy, who would naturally care for their state ; for all others who were around him sought their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ."
It may be asked, How then came he to bestow such commendations on Epaphroditus, and to send this letter by him ? I answer, Epaphroditus was " a messenger," who had come to him from Philippi ; and who could not be expected to come back again to Rome, to bring him the desired information : and therefore he was not included in the foregoing cen- sure ; which was intended only to be applied to the Christians at Rome, who, in his deepest extremity, had forsaken him ; and had thereby shewn, that they felt a greater regard for their own safety, than for the honour of their Lorda.
That we may do justice to all, in our treatment of this subject, we will consider the Apostle's asertion,
I. Literally, in reference to the ungodly world —
To these it is applicable in its full extent. Fallen man is wholly departed from God; and is become al- together selfish ; seeking at all times his own things,
a 2 Tim. iv. 16.