Lesson from Epaphroditus

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; - Philippians 2v25


I enjoy looking at the ‘minor characters of the Bible. Epaphroditus was one such character. We don’t hear much about him, but what we do hear is encouraging and is a blessing.

There seems to be a very special relationship between Paul and the Philippian believers. Paul had been hearing good reports about the church there, but needed someone to fill in the gaps and share things that could not be communicated in writing (v30) so the church there sent Epaphroditus as a messenger to let Paul know what was going on (v25). Epaphroditus also brought a gift, probably financial from the church (4v18).

Paul gave this man high regard, calling him ‘my brother, my fellow worker, and my fellow soldier.’ He said that Epaphroditus ministered to his needs. What a guy this Epaphroditus must have been! He came to Paul to encourage and lift him, to minister to him, to bring him a gift, and to let Paul know what was going on in the church! What joy must have filled Pail’s heart when he saw Epaphroditus at the door of the rented house where he was under house arrest (Acts 28v16-31).

While he was with Paul, however, Epaphroditus took ill. He became so sick in fact that he nearly died. The believers in Philippi were worried about their dear brother. Even then Epaphroditus’ thoughts were on them because he distressed that they were concerned for him (v26). God spared Epaphroditus’ life and thereby spared Paul ‘sorrow upon sorrow.’

And so we come the passage in question. Because of his concern for the believers there Paul sent Epaphroditus back home to Philippi, probably with this letter. But he sent the letter with in instruction in mind. “Hold men like Epaphroditus in high esteem because he was willing to give up his life in God’s service.” It is interesting here that God’s service was as simple as bringing a church report to Paul.

What sticks out to me in the Epaphroditus story is that everyone cares about everyone. No one cared about themselves. It was all about giving, sharing, and communicating.

Oh that I could be a faithful Epaphroditus – a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier; ready to minister to the needs of others and more concerned about them than my own life!