Epaphroditus About the Man He was a nobody

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

Epaphroditus: About the Man • He was a “nobody” • His name may have had a pagan background – Epaphroditus ~ Aphrodite, the Greek goddess Ø His name means “lovely” Ø 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

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)

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?

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

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) Ø He loved his home congregation dearly – Paul sorrowed for Ephaphroditus & the church (27 -28)

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” Ø Loved Christ & the church more than his own life – The Greek word is a gambler’s term Ø Gambled his own life to supply what was lacking Ø Many risked lives to visit seriously ill or imprisoned

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

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

Epaphroditus: 5 -Word Commendation • “My brother” Perhaps a • “My fellow-worker” progression • “My fellow-soldier” of terms – 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

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: Ø 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) Ø Christ (Heb. 3: 1) – One sent with authority

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 Ø He willingly volunteered, not coerced – Same word used of priests offering sacrifices Ø E. bore the offering of the sacrifice that Ph. made – A strong faith will offer sacrifice & service freely