How Many Facebook Friends Do You Have?

Well, I only have 11, but I didn't have any a week ago. That’s because I just started facebook last week. I wonder how many friends the apostle Paul would have if he were on facebook. Friends are an important part of Paul’s life, in fact he mentions 28 of them in Romans 16:1-18. However returning to his letter to the Philippians, he says something rather interesting. He says, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, . . I have no one else like him. . . Philppians 2:19,20.

I think there are three reasons Timothy was such a special friend. .

First he was a kindred spirit, v. 20

I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

The Greek uses the word “same souled”. Timothy’s same souledness (isopsuchos, 2473) made him a special friend, you know the kind that love you for who you are. That don’t put unrealistic expectations on you but appreciate you for your strengths and overlook your weaknesses.

Second he had a concern for others, 20.

I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

Paul carried a heavy burden of concern for the saints both at Philippi and everywhere else (2 Corinthians 11:27-28), thus it was a special encouragement for him to have someone like Timothy who shared the same kind of concern as he did for the saints, especially those of Philippi.

Two things marked Timothy’s concern.

First it was genuine. The word genuine means, authentic, open and real. Paul knew that Timothy’s concern was motivated by a genuine love for others. He had no ulterior motives.

Second his concern was unique in that it was not for himself but the sake of Jesus Christ. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ Philippians 2:21

Third, he had a servant attitude, v. 22

But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

In those days when people visited prisoners who were held captive under Roman authority, which Paul was, they were often prejudged as being criminal types as well. Therefore, a Timothy exposed himself to great danger just by being near Paul. Timothy didn’t care, he still was committed to serving Paul, his spiritual father in the faith (1 Corinthians 4:17)

So what kind of friend are you? If Paul needed friends you and I need friends too. I hope you have a friend who is your kindred spirit, has a genuine concern for the things that concern you and will serve both with you in the work God has called you to do.

P.S. Hey, just for fun, write and tell me how many facebook friends you have.