S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Epaphroditus played a key role in biblical history, even if his name is not immediately recognizable. He is mentioned by name twice in the book of Philippians, one of Paul's Prison Epistles. Epaphr...

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October 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Epaphroditus [Ēpăphro dī'tus] is a name which means: “LOVELY, HANDSOME, CHARMING.” He was a trusted messenger between Paul and the churches (Phil. 2:25; 4:18). Epaphras is a shortened form of this common name.

He was the man with a kind heart.

How fully and fittingly Paul describes the commendable character of this kindly man who went as Paul’s representative to the Philippian Church!

Ph. 2:25 says, “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.” 

He was a brother—a term implying a spiritual relationship. (Ph. 2:25a)

He was a companion in labor—their hearts beat as one in the cause they both loved. (Ph. 2:25b) This verse says, "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."

He was a fellow soldier—together they endured all the hardness and discipline of daring and suffering which discipleship involves (Ph. 2:25c; 2 Tim. 3:12). Lockyer lists 2 Tim. 3:14 here, but I think he meant 2 Tim. 3:12. –
12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 

He was a messenger—or “apostle” as the word really is; and he was ever the Lord’s messenger in the Lord’s message. (Ph. 2:25d)

He was a sacrificial witness. What a brief but blessed biography Paul gives us of his dear companion. He “ministered to my wants”—“longed after you all”—caused much “heaviness” because of his fatal sickness—was mercifully spared lest his death should have brought “sorrow upon sorrow” to Paul. (Ph. 2:30)

He regarded not his life. Literally he gambled his life to assist and bless the Philippians. How rich was the Early Church in leaders who were entirely abandoned to God, that through their consecrated lives their fellow-saints might be filled with all the “fulness of God”! (Ph. 2:30, which says, "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.")

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/all-men-bible/Epaphroditus

Paul gives us four examples of the submissive mind: Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:1-11), Paul himself (Phil. 2:12-18), Timothy (Phil. 2:19-24), and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30). Of course, the great Example is Jesus, and Paul begins with Him. Jesus Christ illustrates 3 characteristics of the person with the submissive mind.

February 20 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report