Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Read – Philippians 2 While he and Silas were in the Philippian prison Luke tells us that Paul and Silas were singing hymns to God. In this chapter Paul sings what likely was an early Christian hymn. In that hymn the story of Jesus is sung – he submitted to the point of death but God has exalted him and made Jesus the name before which all creation will bow and confess that he is Lord of all. The hymn echoes the core story of Jesus – he was crucified but God raised him from the dead and life and forgiveness are proclaimed in his name. The convergence of this message in Paul and in the book of Acts is important. We have often noted the discrepancies between Luke and Paul – here we can champion their unity. Paul goes on to talk about two co-workers. We have met Timothy before in Luke’s story in the book of Acts. Epaphroditus is new to us. Both are lifted up as examples of what being a follower of Jesus means. Timothy was often the messenger for Paul both in his letters and in the book of Acts. Epaphroditus is from the city of Philippi. Paul does not detail what his illness was but apparently it resulted in some way because he was involved in the mission. At any rate Paul is graciously sending him back home to assure the Philippian church. Once again we see the tender connection between Paul and this church.