Epaphroditus: The Faithful Messenger and Companion of Paul
Epaphroditus performed a significant role in the Biblical narration, alluded by name twice in the book of Philippians, prison Epistle of Paul. Epaphroditus is the one who conveyed the real manuscript of Philippians to its real beneficiaries, the church in Philippi.
Epaphroditus devotedly conveyed the gift from his home church and afterwards went above and far away the obligation. In his piety to serve the Lord by serving Paul, Epaphroditus became severely sick and actually, nearly died. God benevolently granted him health and Paul directed his friend return home with the newly written book of Philippians. Epaphroditus was a messenger who conveyed a parcel according to Philippians. Although, to Paul, he was so much better; “A brother, a fellow-worker and a fellow- soldier”.
Epaphroditus was a man of evident affection, loyalty and selflessness. He placed:
“The interests of others” before himself and thus shaped the mind of Jesus Christ. (Philipines 2:4-5)
Paul reffers Epaphroditus repeatedly approaching the close of his letter;
“I have acquired full payment and have more than enough. I am thoughtfully provided, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are an aromatic offering, an acceptable sacrifice, gratifying to God” (Philippians 4:18)
The subsequent verse is the frequently cited pledge that God takes care of those who placed God first:
“And my God will meet all your requirements corresponding to the riches of his prestige in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
Epaphroditus’s name is of gentile origin meaning “belonging to Aphrodite”, the name of goddess is infact comprised into the name Epaphroditus.
Same is power of the Gospel that a man is emancipated from dead theology to obey the living God. While a man like Epaphroditus denotes himself for the sake of God’s kingdom, various people comfort, that man is respectable and his existence is source of pleasure. (Philippians 2:29)
Epaphroditus According to the Scripture
Epaphroditus is first acquainted shortly in the book of Philippians, which was composed by the apostle Paul in imprisonment.
During his second missionary journey, Paul reached in Philippi and assisted in the transformation of Lydia, a wealthy entrepreneur woman belonged to the city of Thyatira and trader of expensive purple dyes and linens. (Acts 16:14-15)
Paul would visit Philippi twice amid his third missionary journey to Macedonia. (Acts 20)
During his various visits, Paul perhaps first met Epaphroditus, a member of the Philippian church.
Epaphroditus’ Background
The name Epaphras is a brief form of the name Epaphroditus, the meaning of which is “charming” or “handsome”. The church of Lydia has a mosaic icon of Epaphroditus on the inside wall. He is showed as a young man dressed in a purple attire. Epaphroditus was a veteran, a battle experienced soldier, who speculated his life on account of the gospel.
Epaphroditus As a Soldier
In divergence to the various times Paul alluded to others as his brother, he just narrates two people like a “fellow soldier”. A soldier involves in war. He contributes in the battle. He devoted to work fearlessly in the face of death.
Epaphroditus had denied to sit on the diversion while he scorned a life-threatening sickness. He beard difficulties like a good soldier of Jesus so that he could satisfy the one who selected him. (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
Epaphroditus As a Minister
While Paul proclaimed his friend a minister, he employed the Greek word “leitourgos” which is more than merely caring for someone’s basic needs. Paul proclaimed himself a minister of Gospel to the Gentiles, Jesus became our high pastor who ministers in the divinely harbour.
Epaphroditus’ belief ranked him in a place of leadership for the spiritual sitution of others. Like Iron sharpens iron, he ministered to Paul. (Proverbs 27:17)
Authentically, such a life of believe is gratifying to God.
“Although I have obtained everything in full and have an abundance; I am generously provided, having acquired from Epaphroditus what you have directed, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18)
Epaphroditus Directed to Rome
Although in 60 A.D, four to five years after Paul terminally visited Philippi, the apostle was imprisoned in Jerusalem and ultimately subordinated to house arrest in Rome, meanwhile he waited and prepared to request his case to Caesar.
The church in Philippi choosed one of their own, Epaphroditus to provide assistance and endure to minister to Paul when in Rome. (Philippians 2:25-30)
Epaphroditus was consequently often covenented to Epaphras, not to be demented with the Epaphras referred in Colossians 1:7 and 4:12.
Epaphroditus must have been a credible and admired member of the Philippians church to be selected for such a significant mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Epaphroditus’ narration is that he come back to Philippi as the messenger of an epistle from Paul. Paul commanded the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus with great joy and respect. Paul directed Epaphroditus return to Philippi due to he was worried about Epaphroditus’ health and since Epaphroditus longed to be with his friends.
