Epaphroditus Ἐπαφρόδιτος
A messenger and minister to Paul from Philippi.
Biography
Epaphroditus was a prominent member of the church in Philippi and a close associate of the apostle Paul. He is described as a beloved brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier (Php.2.25), indicating his significant role in the ministry and his strong relationship with Paul. Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to deliver a gift to Paul and to minister to his needs while he was in prison (Php.4.18). This demonstrates the love and support of the Philippian believers towards Paul and their commitment to partnering with him in the gospel ministry. During his time with Paul, Epaphroditus became ill and nearly died (Php.2.26,27). This caused great concern and sorrow among the Philippians, who held him in high regard. However, God had mercy on him, and he recovered (Php.2.27). Paul commended Epaphroditus for his sacrificial service and urged the Philippians to receive him with joy and honor (Php.2.29). Epaphroditus's willingness to risk his life for the work of Christ and his dedication to serving Paul and the church make him an exemplary figure in the early Christian community. His story highlights the close bonds and mutual support within the body of Christ, even across distances, and the sacrificial nature of Christian service.
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἐπαφρόδιτος | G1891 |
Epaphroditus
, and was very common in the Roman period. "The name occurs very frequently in inscriptions both Greek and Latin, whether at full length Epaphroditus, or in its contracted form Epaphras" (Lightfoot, Philippians, 123). Epaphroditus was the delegate of the Christian community at Philippi, sent with their gift to Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. Paul calls him "my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier." "The three words are arranged in an ascending scale: common sympathy, common work, common danger and toil and suffering" (Lightfoot, l. c.). On his arrival at Rome, Epaphroditus devoted himself to "the work of Christ," both as Paul's attendant and as his assistant in missionary work. So assiduously did he labor that he lost his health, and "was sick nigh unto death." He recovered, however, and Paul sent him back to Philippi with this letter to quiet the alarm of his friends, who had heard of his serious illness. Paul besought for him that the church should receive him with joy and hold him in honor.
S. F. Hunter
e'-fa `ephah, "darkness"; Gephar (Ge 25:4), Gaipha (Isa 60:6):
The name of three persons in the Old Testament, both masculine and feminin