Meet Epaphroditus. He knew who the delivery had come from, and called it out as a sacrifice. Paul the Apostle, commonly known as Saint Paul and also known by his Hebrew name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian apostle (although not one of the Twelve Apostles) who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world. Colossians was sent via Tychicus and Onesimus. Paul is eager to send Epaphroditus back to them, so that they can rejoice (chairo) in seeing him again and be less anxious about his health. The early church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written by the apostle Paul (see 1:1). Also, he had helped Paul to tell other *people about Jesus in other places. Paul could have said to Epaphroditus, "Get over it, they'll live. Paul had previously displayed the gift of healing. The term for this is a hendiadys. Epaphroditus wanted to go back to Philippi so they would see that he was alright and end their sadness. 10–17), there can be little doubt that what they sent him was money. Yes, it can be disciplinary. Whatever gift or supplies Epaphroditus brought, it was special to Paul. Phl 2:25 - Yet G1161 I supposed G2233 it necessary G316 to send G3992 to G4314 you G5209 Epaphroditus, G1891 my G3450 brother, G80 and G2532 companion in labour, G4904 and G2532 fellowsoldier, G4961 but G1161 your G5216 messenger, G652 and G2532 he that ministered G3011 to my G3450 wants. Philippians was sent to Philippi by Epaphroditus. Paul talks about the loyalty of friends and the willingness of those close to us to look out for one another. Paul here movingly reveals his own reaction to Epaphroditus’ illness, which was so serious that he nearly died. But in spite of his anxiety for the life of his friend, Paul did not heal him by exercising “the signs of an apostle” (2 Cor. List some of the things mentioned. Paul’s plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus (19-30) A. Timothy commended (19-23) B. Paul’s hope to go by himself (24) C. Epaphroditus commended (25-30) Where did Paul and company settle while waiting for the Sabbath? Philippi was where Paul founded his first congregation in Europe, in about 49 C.E. Epaphroditus: A Minister of Encouragement—Philippians 2:25–30 And he was your messenger to help me in my need. Now, the example of Epaphroditus. As a servant of Christ and a fellow missionary with the apostle Paul, Epaphroditus did not stop serving the Lord when he was ill. Howard Hendricks says that a Christian man needs three men in his life — a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had Here Epaphroditus is described in terms of apostleship (mission) and ministry (related to the same word Paul uses of his ministry in 2:17). First, our earliest textual evidence supports a Roman origin. Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him. In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women called the parabolani, the gamblers. Timothy was a special person to Paul because Paul had told him about Jesus. A. Paul told us to "speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." 2 d Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.. Thanksgiving and Prayer. "Charming." Most reading this blog probably never heard of Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus did and knew these truths. The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. No, it can be for the glory of God. The work you do for Jesus is more like a battle than it is a job. It gives us a picture of Paul as compassionate, caring, & willing to go the extra mile to help his friend. Perhaps the gift was no longer operational. Ephesians is believed to have been delivered by Tychicus. While the last three were pastoral in nature and were addressed to church leaders Titus and Timothy. According to Paul, how did that unique bond play out in their ministry (Philippians 2:22)? Fill in the blank Bible Studies to print and copy with a question, a Bible reference and a blank line for you to write the answer for Philippians 2. Epaphroditus is one of the lesser known characters in the NT but has some valuable lessons to teach us. He is only mention in this text, and only mention twice. Oh, by the way, Paul writes, “he nearly died for the work of Christ.” I suppose, if I were Epaphroditus, I’d think that was a fairly big deal. "He was sick nigh unto death ". The Christians in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul when he was in prison. 1. Epaphroditus Served God Before, During, and After His Illness. The letter suggests that Paul was in prison at the time of the writing. However, the letter to the Philippians was to be delivered by Epaphroditus, who had come to Paul in Rome with financial help from the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. Philemon received his letter via Onesimus who … Problem: In the Book of Acts, Paul healed the sick and even raised the dead (Acts 20:9–10).On one occasion he even healed everyone in an entire city (Acts 28:9).But here, he apparently could not even heal a needed coworker. 2:30). Not only delivering the help but staying in Rome to assist Paul in what ever way Paul needed. Imitating Christ’s Humility - Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 4. So, Paul sent Epaphroditus back to them in order to ease their minds as well as to minister to them. Epaphroditus brought Paul some money as a gift from the congregation. Paul compared his relationship to Timothy to that of a father and son. Jesus Christ – Paul reflects on Him throughout the entire letter.. Timothy – Timothy is with Paul while Paul is in prison. See 1 Corinthians 11:28-30. Or perhaps Paul simply refused to … About Epaphroditus, Paul described in Phil.3:25-30 "my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier". Epaphroditus got sick in the line of duty, giving … Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). Both terms are connected and express a single idea. Comp. They had sent him a financial gift through a man named Epaphroditus. 5. And as for the gift of healing, we read of a co-worker of Paul’s, Epaphroditus, who fell seriously ill during this time (Phil. Timothy was with Paul the first time he went to Philippi. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to thank them. 20 Now to our God and Father be … Even today, these words remind believers of God’s infinite power and promise of provision. The enemy is trying to steal hearts away from Jesus. The Encouragers emulate Paul’s example in today’s Scripture. The reason Paul mentions these facts is that Phllippi was a Roman colony, full of Romans. And on another occasion he encouraged people to give. When Epaphroditus visited Paul in Rome, however, he arrived with concerning news about the Colossian church. First note how Paul identifies Epaphroditus as a brother—they were brothers spiritually. Paul calls Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier and to the Philippians he says he is your messenger and minister to my need. Verse 1. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, # 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus. Infamous for its idolatry and temple to Diana, Ephesus is the traditional burial place of Timothy. His entire character is a deathly sick delivery boy he gives Paul a large gift. 1. Who he was we do not know; for as to Epaphroditus, the freedman of Nero, and afterwards Domitian's secretary, who was put to death by Domitian in the 14th or 15th year of his reign, he could not be alive in the third of Trajan.] 4. Apostle Paul called Epaphroditus ‘my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier!’ I’m sure many of you are cracking your head as to who is this guy Epaphroditus! Internally the letter reveals the stamp of genuineness. He demonstrated this selflessness by volunteering to go to Rome and help out the Apostle Paul … 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he … The apostle Paul was the most prolific writer in the Bible with thirteen epistles under his belt. It is evident that Paul wrote the letter from prison (see 1:13-14). Paul’s willingness to call out two women when he knew the letter would be read to the whole congregation demonstrates the fact that he cared more about the unity of the church than about the church having a superficial, “everything is going to be alright” sentimental warmth. The first nine epistles were addressed to various churches in Greece and in Asia Minor. But in the context of Paul’s ministry, they also encourage Christ-followers to be content in all things and to look to Christ for strength in doing so. After reading this epistle, it reconfirmed my notion of… 26. The second-century Marcionite Prologue reads in part that “the apostle praises [the Philippians], writing from Rome in prison through Epaphroditus.” 1 Other early Christian manuscripts include similar notes as well. We have work to do, forget about them." In 1 Timothy, Paul urged his young protégé to stay in Ephesus and battle the false teaching that was occurring there (1 Timothy 1:3). Instead, he longed to help those he served, anticipating a time when he could once again minister to … See the note on the First Book Against Apion, sect. Apparently, the church at Philippi sent Epaphroditus to bring a gift to Paul in Rome, but somewhere along the way he got sick and almost died. 2:25-30) and Paul no longer had the gift of healing, and was no longer able to heal as he did only a few years earlier in Acts 28:9. (2:28) (2:28) Paul encourages the Philippian church to receive Epaphroditus back with joy ( chara ), since he risked his life for the work of Christ. We are not told of what this help consisted but we do know three things concerning it. a similar paronomasia in Philem. Paul is hoping to send Timothy back to the church in Philippi as soon as possible. Sometime during his stay in Rome, Paul was visited by Epaphroditus from Philippi. Ὅρα πῶς λιπαρῶς πῶς σφοδρῶς πῶς μετὰ συμπαωείας πολλῆς (Chrysostom). Paul did not establish the church in Rome, but as the apostle to the Gentiles, he had longed for many years to visit the believers in Rome (15:22-23) that he might further establish them in the faith and preach the gospel there as well (1:13-15). Second, consider the fact that Paul apparently did not heal Epaphroditus. Q: What is Paul's reason for planning to send Epaphroditus? Paul’s ‘Comrade-in-Arms’ Epaphroditus and the First Gospels. He had been charged with going to attend and comfort the seriously ill apostle Paul in Rome, some 600 miles away. Joy comes from living for and serving others, as did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy in this chapter. Epaphroditus was a Gentile, a native of Philippi, sent to visit Paul by the church there, and taking principally the gift of money collected by the congregation which was designed to help buy Paul some creature comforts while he was in prison, and perhaps also to … Almost died for the work of Christ, vv. This was not the first time that the Philippians had shown generosity to Paul. Payments mention was not internal to the church, unless a need. For example, when you say that a blanket is nice and warm. Main Characters. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Philippians Greeting. The last two descriptions: messenger and minister, can be considered as one. And on one occasion the Apostle Paul willing received financial support and indicated that God was well-pleased with such a gift. For this analysis, that frame of analysis is … ... having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. → How did … They had sent him a financial gift through a man named Epaphroditus. Second, the Apostle Paul characterized Epaphroditus as a selfless person - one with the mind of Christ who esteemed others better than himself (Phil. The community at Philippi received letters from Paul and, in the second century C.E., from Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor. - If there be therefore, any consolation in Christ.Mark the fervor of the apostle. Epaphroditus did that alongside Paul. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. CHAPTER 2. Based on Paul’s commendation of Timothy to the Philippians, how would you characterize Paul’s feelings toward Timothy? Simon Magus (Greek Σίμων ὁ μάγος, Latin: Simon Magvs), also known as Simon the Sorcerer or Simon the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24.The act of simony, or paying for position and influence in the church, is named after Simon who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles. 26-27 and 30 (compare 1:20 and 2:8). Epaphroditus took a gift of money to Paul. As Epaphroditus ministered to Paul's needs on behalf of the Philippians, he did so at the expense of his own health (Phil. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Nor does Paul at all attribute the near-death of Epaphroditus to a lack of faith. First it earned Epaphroditus the accolades of Paul, coworker, and fellow soldier, two descriptions Paul did not bestow without merit. Philippians 2:25 —If Paul had the gift of healing, why couldn’t he heal his coworker, Epaphroditus?. For the time being, he remained with Paul in prison, ministering to the apostle during his distress. 5 Why did he not simply heal Epaphroditus? in Paul’s letter to the Romans and his final perspective in his letter to the Philippians. Fourth, Paul calls Epaphroditus a … ... What do we know about Epaphroditus from this passage? Paul Commends Epaphroditus. 1 Paul and Timothy, servants 1 of Christ Jesus,. A little known Bible character named Epaphroditus became depressed. Paul did not accept a salary. It is also likely that the author of Luke/Acts was Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls the Apostle of … In this case, Timothy and Epaphroditus are the types of friends that take care of those close to them. G5532. Whether the church in Philippi were giving from poverty, or whether the act of generosity itself was pleasing to God (or both), Paul made it clear that this was a meaningful action. * 1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Epaphroditus Described (25) Notice how Paul describes Epaphroditus for us in verse 25. “I have received full payment, and more. However, Epaphroditus fell sick and needed to be comforted. For those of us who do not know him, he was a lay member of the Philippian Church and also their messenger to Paul (in Rome) through whom they sent their material offerings (Php 4:18). We were staying some days in this city. Even though God healed many people through Paul (Acts 19:11-12, 20:10-12, 28:8-9), Paul was obviously not able to simply speak a word of healing over Epaphroditus. Paul is saying that for the sake of Jesus Christ Epaphroditus gambled his life. Paul only accepted a gift when it was a particular need 3. What characteristics did Epaphroditus and Timothy exhibit that made them a great example of what Paul was commanding the Philippians to do? Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). One way to control for this possible evolution of Paul’s leadership style is to focus an examination on a particular congregation during a smaller time span. Paul urged to follow his example. v. 25 Brother, companion, soldier. Paul commended his visitor for his extraordinary assistance, “for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (Philippians 2:30). Live as lights in the world (14-16) C. Maintain joy in all kinds of situations (17-18) II. It is obvious that he is using this term in a metaphorical sense because, as far as we know, Paul never served in the Roman army. –Philippians 4:18 The Epistle to the Philippians most definitely goes down in my book of Bible favorites. Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him. Date of Writing: The Book of Philemon was written in approximately A. D. 60. Plea for Unity and Humility. Why does Paul use the phrase, “you all,” more in this epistle than in any of the others? It is generally accepted that Paul wrote the prison epistles during his first Roman imprisonment. 10, 11Onesimon, i.e., Helpful,-achreston, euchreston , unprofitable, profitable). But during his time in Rome, Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27). (Acts 28:16) 6. False teaching and heresy had taken root in Colossae, which involved a combination of Greek speculation, Oriental mysticism, and Jewish legalism, all of which devalued Jesus Christ as the ultimate authority in matters of faith.
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