Epaphroditus (A Messenger from the Philippian Church)
Epaphroditus was a very faithful man. He helped Paul when he was in prison. Epaphroditus belonged to the Philippians church. Apart from giving financial support to Paul, he did what he could for Paul. Being a very faithful man, he exerted himself to the extent that he fell ill. Epaphroditus is mentioned in most of Paul’s writings. Basically, Epaphroditus was chosen to help Paul and he helped him with love and devotion which shows that he was a very good and faithful person.
Verse
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” (Philippians 2:25)
Why Was Paul Arrested?
Paul was God’s messenger and it was his responsibility to deliver God’s message to Jews and Gentiles. For this reason, the Roman government imprisoned Paul in Rome so that the message of Christianity could not spread further. This whole incident is written in the letter to the Philippians. Despite his imprisonment, Paul continued to preach and was helped by Epaphroditus during his imprisonment.
Verse
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” (Philippians 1:12-13)
Verse
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” (Philippians 2:25)
Journey of Epaphroditus For Paul Help
When God’s good people are faced with difficult times, they do not back down, but face the difficult times head on. This is what Epaphroditus did when he was going to help Paul. He faced many difficulties on the way. Any ordinary person would have panicked and left everything on the way, but Epaphroditus’ faith was so strong that he continued the journey and helped Paul financially, physically and spiritually. Because he considered it as his responsibility and it is a command from God. God’s command cannot be prohibited under any circumstances.
Verse
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
Illness of Epaphroditus
Epaphroditus helped Paul with great bravery and loyalty, but because of the difficulties and dangers of the road, Epaphroditus fell ill. Paul also wrote in a letter that Epaphroditus was close to death, his fever was very high. Despite this, he showed courage and helped God’s Messenger Paul. This shows that those who have God’s hand on their heads never give up and fulfill God’s command in any situation. Along with this, God is also very kind to him that he gave him courage despite being so sick.
Verse
“Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.” (Philippians 2:27)
“Because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” (Philippians 2:30)
Messenger for Philippians
Epaphroditus helped Paul with great loyalty. In addition, Epaphroditus continued to convey Paul’s news to the Philippians, as well as acting as a bridge. He also informed the Philippians about Paul’s situation and helped Paul.
Verse
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” (Philippians 4:14-16)
Recovery of Epaphroditus
Epaphroditus had risked his life to help God’s messenger who had become very ill. So God had mercy on him and gave him life and health. This shows that God is very merciful and never allows His faithful servants to remain in trouble forever.
Verse
“Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.” (Philippians 2:27-28)
Returning Back For Philippians
Paul told Epaphroditus to go back to the church and tell everyone about my condition, saying, “I am well,” so that they would not worry. So Epaphroditus went back to the Philippines to tell the people that Paul is absolutely right. When Epaphroditus returned, the people were very happy because people were very worried about his condition.
Verse
“Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,” (Philippians 2:28-29)
Paul’s Appreciations For Epaphroditus
Paul was greatly influenced by Epaphroditus. Paul admired the character of Epaphroditus very much. He saw him as his brother because Epaphroditus helped Paul like a brother. Epaphroditus helped Paul in every possible way, fighting against dangers without regard for his own life. That is why Paul wrote to the Philippians that Epaphroditus is a very good man. I hope you will honor him.
Verse
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.” (Philippians 2:25-26)
Impact of Epaphroditus
The life of Epaphroditus had a profound effect not only on the people of that time but also on the thinking of the people of today. The life of Epaphroditus is a great example that when God commands and when God’s Messenger needs us, then we should follow the path that God has ordered us to follow without fear. By this, the world and the hereafter can be the best and we can become the favorite servants of God.
Verse
“For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:16-18)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The life of Epaphroditus is a perfect example for us. Epaphroditus was a man who helped the Messenger of God despite the extreme difficulties and dangerous journey and proved his loyalty. Because of this loyalty, the Messenger of God praised him. Epaphroditus proved that he was a true servant by helping Paul in prison, even though he became very sick while helping, but still he did not stop serving in his illness. It shows that God’s righteous servants face difficulties but their steadfastness makes their place greater.
