Epaphroditus, your messenger

Manuel Seibel

Epaphroditus is only mentioned expressly on two occasions in the New Testament, both of which are found in Philippians. But what God’s Word has to say about him there, and possibly in one other place in the letter, shows great esteem for him.

In Philippians, Paul does not introduce himself as an apostle, but as a servant of Christ Jesus. He is not writing a doctrinal letter. Rather, he presents the true Christian life to the believers. His relationship with the believers in Philippi was extraordinary. We read in the New Testament of no other assembly with whom Paul had such a close bond. Therefore, he opened his heart to them more than to other believers and assemblies.

In chapter 2, we read that the apostle knew no one like Timothy, who was heartily concerned for the welfare of the Philippians (vs. 19–23). But then he suddenly speaks of Epaphroditus (v. 25), someone he could send to them there and then who had his own qualities from the Lord. Nor was he less trustworthy than Timothy. Unlike Timothy, Epaphroditus was a brother from Philippi so the recipients of the letter knew him well. Paul had also come to know him and appreciate him very much. Although he could not yet send Timothy, he could send this man, and he was happy to do so because he trusted him.

Characteristics of Epaphroditus

‘My brother’: Paul knew Epaphroditus as a believer — one who was born again — and a follower of the Lord Jesus. He was not only a Christian but lived as a disciple of the Lord in devotion to his Master. This could be seen in his life.

‘My … fellow-workman’: Epaphroditus accepted that another had authority over him. But he was more than a servant of Paul. The latter valued his cooperation and saw him as a companion in the Lord’s work. Epaphroditus not only enjoyed the privileges of the redeemed, but was committed to carrying out the responsibilities of the kingdom of God. Service to Christ was his priority. But this is not the end of Paul’s description of this man of faith.

‘My … fellow-soldier’: Paul also calls him a fellow-soldier. This expression occurs in only one other place in the New Testament (Phlm 2). It testifies to great energy and real commitment in the service of the Lord. Epaphroditus cared so much about the believers and the work for his Master that he was willing to give his all to it. He was even willing to risk his health for his Lord (Phil. 2:27).

‘Your messenger’: Epaphroditus not only had the confidence of the apostle, but of the Philippians who knew his reliability. As a result, they appear to have given him the financial gift they wanted to send to Paul. We do not read anything about him possessing great spiritual gifts but what we can see clearly is his great faithfulness.

‘Minister to my need’: In addition to recognising in him a servant and co-worker of the Lord, Paul could thank God for meeting his needs through this man. Paul made no demands. But if someone was a help to him, he accepted it gratefully and therefore honoured the servant of God. Paul was truly selfless. Let us similarly be grateful for everything which God gives us through the ministry of others and acknowledge the latter before Him.

Epaphroditus’ serious illness

Epaphroditus had fallen seriously ill on his journey to Paul or in connection with this ministry. He had even been prepared to risk his life for the Lord and the apostle (Phil. 2:30). We do not read of him complaining in any way despite his affliction. The Lord may allow His servants to suffer illness from time to time. We do not read that Paul prayed for his recovery, although he almost certainly would have done so. Similarly, Paul had the gift of miraculous healing (see Acts 19:12), but he did not use it on this occasion. Only once do we read of him doing this for someone in the company of believers (Acts 20:10). But God intervened and made Epaphroditus well again. Paul was greatly comforted by this (Phil. 2:27). This shows us God’s compassion for His servants!

Through the same incident, we learn another characteristic of Epaphroditus’ heart. He knew that the Philippians had heard of his illness. Surely they too had prayed for him, although Paul does not mention this either. But Epaphroditus was not indifferent to the fact that the Philippians were troubled by his condition. He longed to tell them that God had made him well again. This shows us what kind of heart this man of faith had for his ‘home assembly’. He did not want them to be troubled. Love should be mutual.

Holding him (and others) in honour

In chapter 2:29, Paul adds that the Philippians should hold believers such as Epaphroditus in honour. It is easy to think little of servants who do not have a great gift (or a gift which we consider to be great). How quickly we take for granted much that is done by such servants of the Lord. Paul made a point of exhorting the Philippians to act differently. Epaphroditus was worthy of genuine appreciation!

Paul also wanted the Philippians to receive this servant ‘with all joy’. It was not only a matter of sympathy, but of ‘setting forward’ a servant ‘worthily of God’ (3 John 6). Joy is a sign of gratitude and recognition. Are we those who express this attitude in a genuine way?

Paul likely thought of Epaphroditus one more time when it came to settling the dispute between Euodia and Syntyche (Phil. 4:3). He asked his faithful fellow-servant (or ‘true yokefellow’) to stand by them. He did not have to tell him how to help the two quarrelsome people to come to an understanding and a mindset that was worthy of the Lord. So closely did he see himself connected with him that he trusted that this true yokefellow would speak to the hearts and consciences of these two sisters in a godly way in order for them to be reconciled. He knew the shepherd’s heart of this yoke-fellow (probably Epaphroditus). He would again be a useful tool in the Lord’s hand in this regard — Paul was sure of that. Do we also have such a heart for the Lord, the servants, the work and His own?

If you see yourself as a believer who has received only a small gift from the Lord, do not focus on that. Our assessment of what the Lord has given to us is not important (and may be wrong). What matters is that we serve the Lord faithfully and that we are known to be trustworthy by our brothers and sisters in Christ. Epaphroditus is a great example of this and worthy of our imitation.

From: Truth and Testimony, 2022