Epaphroditus
November 7, 2005
Dear Friends
We would like to recognize one of the Bible’s unsung heroes. We are all familiar with great characters like Abraham, David and Paul, but what about some of these lesser known people such as Epaphroditus? Many relatively obscure men and women tell a unique and inspirational story. Here is his story.
Epaphroditus was a believer in Philippi. His name means “devoted to Aphrodite” which would give us an indication of his family background. He was sent by the brethren in Philippi to give aid to Paul. We are not told specifically what this aid was. It appears the gift was both a monetary gift and to act as Paul’s personal servant (2:25-30, 4:17-19), but whatever it was it was an act of love from the brethren there to send Epaphroditus to him. One can only imagine that going to stay with Paul, a man who was being held on capital charges, would be hazardous duty. To make matter worse, while with Paul, Epaphroditus became deathly ill.
It appears that Epaphroditus’ illness was the main reason for returning back to Philippi. When Paul sends Epaphroditus back to them, he sends with him what we now know as the Epistle to the Philippians. With this scene before, we have this faithful disciple returning home probably still feeling the effects of his illness.
Based on comments such as “receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness” (v. 29 NJB), it seems a very real possibility that the Philippians would not view his return home to be a cause for celebration. Perhaps they expected Epaphroditus to stay with Paul regardless of his physical condition. Paul wants them to rejoice at this return.
In this situation, Paul sends a glowing testimony concerning this man. “Nevertheless I thought it essential to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and companion-in-arms since he came as your representative to look after my needs; For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.” (Phil. 2:25 NJB) Notice the threefold role that this otherwise obscure brother plays to Paul: my brother, fellow-worker, companion-in-arms. He is Paul’s adelphos or brother from which we get the phrase “brother” in Christ. Literally, the phrase means “of the same womb.” Both men were born together in Christ and had an unbreakable bond as brethren. As Jesus tells us, our brothers in Christ are our true brothers (Matt. 12:48, 49). He called Epaphroditus his sunergos or fellow-worker. The word in Greek denotes an affectionate partnership rather than a casual working relationship. These men were partners in a passionate pursuit of things Godly. Next, he calls him a sustratiotes or companion-in-arms. They say that there are few relationships stronger than men who have fought side by side in a life or death struggle. This was not warfare of the flesh, but of the Spirit, and it had bonded these two men together. They had fought against the flesh together. They had fought against the Judaizers who were attempting to take Paul’s life. Finally, Paul gives Epaphroditus a startling name when he calls him his a representative or as the Authorized version has it “messenger.” The Greek word is apostolos or “apostle.” Can this man be an apostle like the man whose letter he is carrying?
Paul wants these brethren not to reject their sickly brother, but to “hold such in reputation. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”
What an honored man Epaphroditus was. He was Paul’s brother, fellow-worker and companion-in-arms. He was honored to carry the Epistle to the Philippians. He was a man that nearly died in service to Jesus Christ. May it be our privilege to meet this man in the resurrection of the dead.
Have a great week!
Comments»
No comments yet.