We’re going to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Paul has been talking about his ministry. Now he gives them insight into a man named Epaphroditus.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
Philippians 2:25 NIV
First, let’s find out a little about who he is. We know that he came from the church at Philippi in order to bring a monetary donation to Paul’s ministry (Philippians 4:18). However, it’s obvious from Paul’s description, that they knew each other very well.
He uses three words of increasing intimacy. He starts by calling him a brother, sharing a common heritage. But, more than that, a fellow worker. They labor together in God’s work.
Then, there’s an even deeper bond. Paul calls him a fellow soldier. They’ve been on the front lines together. There’s a connection that’s forged in the fires of battle. It doesn’t matter whether the conflict is natural or spiritual. They have faced the same enemy together and came out victorious.
Then there’s a word Paul uses that I need to take some time to explain. He calls Epaphroditus their messenger. That’s an interesting translation. The actual word Paul uses is, apostle.
I believe this is because there are denominations that feel the office of Apostle ended with the early church. So, the translators didn’t want to offend some of their readers. The fact is, the Apostle Paul called Epaphroditus a fellow Apostle.
That causes me to believe that Epaphroditus was the pastor of the Philippian church. He had wanted to deliver the offering to Paul personally. But, while he was there, a problem arose.
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 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. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Philippians 2:26-30 NIV
While he was with Paul, Epaphroditus became sick, and almost died. It’s very important that we see the heart of this man.
At some point, Paul sent a message to the Philippian church that they needed to be praying for his healing. We can see the true heart of a pastor and apostle when we see Epaphroditus’ response. He was greatly distressed – not because he was sick – but because his church found out and was burdened for him.
That’s what the Bible talks about, in putting others ahead of ourselves. He was more concerned about the church than he was of his own condition. Then, God’s healing power was manifest in his life.
This is why Paul exhorts the church to receive him back with joy and to honor people like him. He was willing to lay his life down for the cause of Christ. That’s the true heart of ministry.
He needs to be an example to us, especially to those of us in Christian leadership. It’s not about us. We are to lead God’s people knowing that we’re called to serve. We are to seek to be a blessing.
That’s what Jesus taught His disciples.
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 NIV
We need to follow in the footsteps of great men and women for God, like Epaphroditus.
Question: How do you personally fulfill the call to servant leadership?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 