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Epaphroditus: About the Man

Learn about Epaphroditus, a devoted member of Paul's congregation who selflessly served despite being a "nobody." His journey, struggles, and unwavering commitment to Christ and the church.

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Epaphroditus: About the Man

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  1. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • No indication he was a “preacher” • No indication he did any missionary work • No indication that he made any converts • No indication that he established any churches • No indication he wrote any books • No indication he had lots of money

  2. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • Epaphroditus ~ Aphrodite, the Greek goddess • His name means “lovely” • Aphrodite – the goddess of love & fertility • His parents may have been followers of this cult • Thus, he must have been led from the darkness of idolatry into the light of the gospel

  3. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • He was a member of Paul’s “favorite congregation” • Special closeness between Paul & the Philippian church • Established on his second missionary journey (Acts 16) • They stood behind him financially (Phil. 4:15) • Paul bragged about them to others churches (2 Cor. 8) • Epaphroditus had carried the most recent gift (4:10, 18)

  4. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • He was a member of Paul’s “favorite congregation” • He was part of the gift sent to Paul • He took care of Paul’s needs (2:25) • He was to assist Paul with “the work of Christ” (v. 30) • Were the brethren in Rome not meeting Paul’s needs?

  5. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • He was a member of Paul’s “favorite congregation” • He was part of the gift sent to Paul • He was brave & trustworthy • Travel in those days could be treacherous (600 miles) • Besides the drudgery of travel modes & poor accommodations along the way, it was dangerous • Yet, Epaphroditus was selected as capable & trustworthy to bear the gift safely & dependably to Paul • In addition, Paul considered him trustworthy to bear his inspired letter back to the Philippian church

  6. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • He was a member of Paul’s “favorite congregation” • He was part of the gift sent to Paul • He was brave & trustworthy • He became very ill while in Rome • “Sick almost unto death” (v. 27) • The Philippian church was worried about him • Epaphroditus was distressed at their anxiety (v. 26) • He loved his home congregation dearly • Paul sorrowed for Ephaphroditus & the church (27-28)

  7. Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background • He was a member of Paul’s “favorite congregation” • He was part of the gift sent to Paul • He was brave & trustworthy • He became very ill while in Rome • He had a determined zeal for the work of Christ • “Not regarding his life” = “risking/hazard his life” • Loved Christ & the church more than his own life • The Greek word is a gambler’s term • Gambled his own life to supply what was lacking • Many risked lives to visit seriously ill or imprisoned

  8. Epaphroditus: 5-Word Commendation • “My brother” • A kinsman in Christ (brethren) because… • Same Father (1 John 3:1) • Same birth (John 3:3-5; Gal. 3:26-27) • Members of same family (Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15) • Wear the same name (Acts 11:26) • Promised same inheritance (1 Pet. 1:3-4)

  9. Epaphroditus: 5-Word Commendation • “My brother” • “My fellow-worker” • Christians are to be workers (1 Cor. 15:58) • Created in Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10) • Work is essential to salvation (Phil. 2:12-13) • “We are laborers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) • Epaphroditus did not just drop the gift & go • He threw himself into the work with zeal

  10. Epaphroditus: 5-Word Commendation • “My brother” • “My fellow-worker” • “My fellow-soldier” • Christians are “comrades in arms” • The Christian life is a warfare (2 Tim. 2:3) • Truth & righteousness at war w/ falsehood & evil • The cause of Christ is “the good fight” (2 T. 4:7) • We must be “set for the defense of the gospel” • We must “contend earnestly for the faith” • We must “put on the whole armor of God” • We must not get entangled w/ affairs of this life Perhaps a progression of terms

  11. Epaphroditus: 5-Word Commendation • “My brother” • “My fellow-worker” • “My fellow-soldier” • “Your messenger” • From the Greek word for “apostle” • One who was sent on a mission, appointed to bear a message • General term used to describe: • Barnabas (Acts 14:14); Timothy & Silas (1 Thess. 2:6); Jesus’ brother, James (Gal. 1:19); Titus & brethren (2 Cor. 8:23); Andronicus & Junia (Rm. 16:7) • Christ (Heb. 3:1) – One sent with authority

  12. Epaphroditus: 5-Word Commendation • “My brother” • “My fellow-worker” • “My fellow-soldier” • “Your messenger” • “Your minister to my need” • Not the usual word for “servant” or “minister” • One who serves the state at his own expense • He willingly volunteered, not coerced • Same word used of priests offering sacrifices • E. bore the offering of the sacrifice that Ph. made • A strong faith will offer sacrifice & service freely

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