Epaphroditus
“Belonging to Aphrodite, or lovely”
Summary
A beloved messenger of the Philippian church who brought their gift to Paul in prison, became dangerously ill while serving him, and carried Paul's epistle back to Philippi.
☩Mission to Paul
Epaphroditus was a leading member and delegate of the Philippian church who traveled to Rome during Paul's first imprisonment carrying a substantial gift of money from the Philippian Christians. Paul describes him with an accumulation of honorable terms: 'my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier'—expressing common sympathy, common labor, and common suffering. After delivering the gift, Epaphroditus remained in Rome to minister personally to Paul and to assist in missionary work.
☩Illness and Return
His zealous service brought on a dangerous illness, and he was 'sick nigh unto death.' When he recovered, his deep affection for the Philippians was evident in his distress that they had heard of his sickness and were worried. Paul sent him back to Philippi with the epistle we now have, urging the church to receive him with joy and hold him in honor 'because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life.' His willingness to hazard his health for the gospel demonstrates the costly devotion of early Christian service.
References
- 1.Unknown source, "Epaphroditus."
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Epaphroditus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Epaphroditus," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).