Paul calls Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier and to the Philippians he says he is your messenger and minister to my need. We were staying some days in this city. But Paul feels bad because Epaphroditus feels bad, because the Philippians feel bad because he is sick. 4. See the note on the First Book Against Apion, sect. A. * 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. And on one occasion the Apostle Paul willing received financial support and indicated that God was well-pleased with such a gift. Tit 2:1 This means that we must use Bible terms to describe Bible things. 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. 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. The early church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written by the apostle Paul (see 1:1). Meet Epaphroditus. Paul refers to the gift as "things" (4:18), but in the context of the preceding verses (vv. The many personal references of the author fit what we know of Paul from other NT books. So my interpretation is paying ministers or parishioners should be exception not the norm. 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. Paul exhorted Philippians to receive him in the Lord with all gladness " because for the work of Christ he was high unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me". For this analysis, that frame of analysis is … But Paul probably means a man, named Suzugosand plays upon the word: "Yokefellow by name and yoke-fellow in deed." His entire character is a deathly sick delivery boy he gives Paul a large gift. 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. Live as lights in the world (14-16) C. Maintain joy in all kinds of situations (17-18) II. 5. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. Timothy was a special person to Paul because Paul had told him about Jesus. List some of the things mentioned. Paul talks about the loyalty of friends and the willingness of those close to us to look out for one another. Ephesians is believed to have been delivered by Tychicus. Everyone should work for their own bread. Paul – Paul is the writer of this letter to the Philippian church. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to thank them. Nor does Paul at all attribute the near-death of Epaphroditus to a lack of faith. Philippians Greeting. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. After reading this epistle, it reconfirmed my notion of… 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 … The community at Philippi received letters from Paul and, in the second century C.E., from Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor. Second, the Apostle Paul characterized Epaphroditus as a selfless person - one with the mind of Christ who esteemed others better than himself (Phil. These he wrote within an eighteen-year period while he was on his missionary journeys. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to thank them. The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. We have work to do, forget about them." The apostle Paul was the most prolific writer in the Bible with thirteen epistles under his belt. He had been charged with going to attend and comfort the seriously ill apostle Paul in Rome, some 600 miles away. Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him. Or perhaps Paul simply refused to … He demonstrated this selflessness by volunteering to go to Rome and help out the Apostle Paul … 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. 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. They sent this gift to Paul because they did not want him to worry about money but, rather, wanted him to use more of his time in the ministry. It is also likely that the author of Luke/Acts was Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls the Apostle of … And on another occasion he encouraged people to give. Paul wrote all four books while in Rome as a prisoner. So, Paul sent Epaphroditus back to them in order to ease their minds as well as to minister to them. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. He knew who the delivery had come from, and called it out as a sacrifice. 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! But during his time in Rome, Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27). Paul and Epaphroditus were brothers in Christ, workers in the Gospel, and soldiers in the fight. It is evident that Paul wrote the letter from prison (see 1:13-14). Cleopatra VII Philopator (Koinē Greek: Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ; 69 BC – 10 August 30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. 5. Paul here movingly reveals his own reaction to Epaphroditus’ illness, which was so serious that he nearly died. Philippians 2:26-27 Paul Commends Timothy and Epaphroditus. The Christians in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul when he was in prison. Whatever gift or supplies Epaphroditus brought, it was special to Paul. Perhaps the gift was no longer operational. Based on Paul’s commendation of Timothy to the Philippians, how would you characterize Paul’s feelings toward Timothy? 4. Why does Paul use the phrase, “you all,” more in this epistle than in any of the others? But during his time in Rome, Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27). Here Epaphroditus is described in terms of apostleship (mission) and ministry (related to the same word Paul uses of his ministry in 2:17). I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 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. 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. 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). Next, Paul planned to send Timothy to Philippi. This was not the first time that the Philippians had shown generosity to Paul. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Purpose of Writing: The letter to Philemon is the shortest of all Paul’s writings and deals with the practice of slavery. Comp. Paul Commends Epaphroditus. Howard Hendricks says that a Christian man needs three men in his life — a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. Second, the apostle Paul calls Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier” (Phil. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul wrote from prison, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). For example, when you say that a blanket is nice and warm. 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). As Epaphroditus ministered to Paul's needs on behalf of the Philippians, he did so at the expense of his own health (Phil. Paul only accepted a gift when it was a particular need 3. in Paul’s letter to the Romans and his final perspective in his letter to the Philippians. Q: What is Paul's reason for planning to send Epaphroditus? While visiting Paul, Epaphroditus became desperately ill, almost to the point of death. Where did Paul and company settle while waiting for the Sabbath? He is mentioned twice in Paul’s Philippians and by Josephus - who dedicates his Antiquities to him - and by other Roman historians of the time. While the last three were pastoral in nature and were addressed to church leaders Titus and Timothy. –Philippians 4:18 The Epistle to the Philippians most definitely goes down in my book of Bible favorites. 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. Epaphroditus Described (25) Notice how Paul describes Epaphroditus for us in verse 25. 25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus . Second, consider the fact that Paul apparently did not heal Epaphroditus. Paul did not accept a salary. (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. EXPLORE IT QUESTIONS. First, our earliest textual evidence supports a Roman origin. He fought against the opposition to Christ’s work in the world. 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. The reason Paul mentions these facts is that Phllippi was a Roman colony, full of Romans. 26-27 and 30 (compare 1:20 and 2:8). It is generally accepted that Paul wrote the prison epistles during his first Roman imprisonment. 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 doesn’t discourage Epaphroditus from returning home--“If you really think it is a good idea, go … Epaphroditus took a gift of money to Paul. 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. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he … Infamous for its idolatry and temple to Diana, Ephesus is the traditional burial place of Timothy. Most reading this blog probably never heard of Epaphroditus. Yes, it can be disciplinary. Why did he not simply heal Epaphroditus? Philippians 2:25-30. 2:1-5). a similar paronomasia in Philem. “I have received full payment, and more. Being anxious to minister in Rome, he wrote Romans to prepare the way for his visit (15:14-17). The letter suggests that Paul was in prison at the time of the writing. The Encouragers emulate Paul’s example in today’s Scripture. Epaphroditus: A Minister of Encouragement—Philippians 2:25–30 In Philippians 2, Paul urged the believers to honor people like Epaphroditus, one of their fellowship who had served Paul at great personal risk. 5 The prison epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—are so named because they were written by the apostle Paul during one of his incarcerations. According to Paul, how did that unique bond play out in their ministry (Philippians 2:22)? Timothy was with Paul the first time he went to Philippi. Also, he had helped Paul to tell other *people about Jesus in other places. Now, the example of Epaphroditus. We’re in a spiritual war. 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. Ὅρα πῶς λιπαρῶς πῶς σφοδρῶς πῶς μετὰ συμπαωείας πολλῆς (Chrysostom). 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had Epaphroditus did and knew these truths. Philippians 2:25 —If Paul had the gift of healing, why couldn’t he heal his coworker, Epaphroditus?. Even today, these words remind believers of God’s infinite power and promise of provision. For the time being, he remained with Paul in prison, ministering to the apostle during his distress. (Acts 28:16) 6. This resulted in the letter known to us as Philippians. 1. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, # 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus. Paul compared his relationship to Timothy to that of a father and son. Epaphroditus got sick in the line of duty, giving … 2:25). Paul had previously displayed the gift of healing. Date of Writing: The Book of Philemon was written in approximately A. D. 60. When did Paul and company decide to react to God’s calling? Epaphroditus is one of the lesser known characters in the NT but has some valuable lessons to teach us. Let me tell you what the name means, in case you are thinking of naming a child. The term for this is a hendiadys. From the text we can decipher that Epaphroditus was incredibly close with the narrator, or Paul. He is only mention in this text, and only mention twice. A. Paul told us to "speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." We are not told of what this help consisted but we do know three things concerning it. 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. - If there be therefore, any consolation in Christ.Mark the fervor of the apostle. 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. He understood that ministering to another required sacrifice; it meant that the minister must place greater value on the needs of his charge than on his own interests. Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him. In Philippians 2:25-27 Paul mentioned his good friend Epaphroditus, who had been very sick. The enemy is trying to steal hearts away from Jesus. Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). ... What do we know about Epaphroditus from this passage? They had sent him a financial gift through a man named Epaphroditus. Internally the letter reveals the stamp of genuineness. As a servant of Christ and a fellow missionary with the apostle Paul, Epaphroditus did not stop serving the Lord when he was ill. Examine yourselves (12-13) B. The first nine epistles were addressed to various churches in Greece and in Asia Minor. 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) 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). Paul’s ‘Comrade-in-Arms’ Epaphroditus and the First Gospels. Several persons have been suggested, Epaphroditus, Timothy, Silas, Luke. What did Epaphroditus do? A member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was a descendant of its founder Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great. 2:30). 10, 11Onesimon, i.e., Helpful,-achreston, euchreston , unprofitable, profitable). v. 25 Brother, companion, soldier. 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. 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. Philemon received his letter via Onesimus who … 2. No, it can be for the glory of God. To all the a saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the b overseers 2 and c deacons: 3. → How did … ... having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. Epaphroditus. CHAPTER 2. First it earned Epaphroditus the accolades of Paul, coworker, and fellow soldier, two descriptions Paul did not bestow without merit. We know that Epaphroditus was the conveyer between the Philippians and Paul, especially during Paul’s arrest. When Epaphroditus visited Paul in Rome, however, he arrived with concerning news about the Colossian church. Answer:-He brought Paul a gift from the Philippians 2,25-27; 4,18 ← Of whom is it said that they had all things in common? First note how Paul identifies Epaphroditus as a brother—they were brothers spiritually. It’s not as a difficult a name as Epaphroditus!) Epaphroditus wanted to go back to Philippi so they would see that he was alright and end their sadness. 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. 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). Main Characters. In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women called the parabolani, the gamblers. 2 d Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.. Thanksgiving and Prayer. Some of this does seem to correlate with a detail found in Paul’s final letters to Timothy. "Charming." However, Epaphroditus fell sick and needed to be comforted. But that does not preclude that Epaphroditus did not serve in the military. 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). 20 Now to our God and Father be … Colossians was sent via Tychicus and Onesimus. Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). 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. 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). "He was sick nigh unto death ". Verse 1. In this case, Timothy and Epaphroditus are the types of friends that take care of those close to them. Philippi was where Paul founded his first congregation in Europe, in about 49 C.E. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. The work you do for Jesus is more like a battle than it is a job. See 1 Corinthians 11:28-30. 10–17), there can be little doubt that what they sent him was money. 2 Second, the description of Paul’s circumstances in Philippians fits what we know of his house arrest in Rome. 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. Almost died for the work of Christ, vv. Philippians was sent to Philippi by Epaphroditus. to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Payments mention was not internal to the church, unless a need. Instead, he longed to help those he served, anticipating a time when he could once again minister to … 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. What characteristics did Epaphroditus and Timothy exhibit that made them a great example of what Paul was commanding the Philippians to do? 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. He longs for all of you, vs. 26 (compare 1:8 and 2:4). Plea for Unity and Humility. Sometime during his stay in Rome, Paul was visited by Epaphroditus from Philippi. Epaphroditus Served God Before, During, and After His Illness. It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. Author: The author of the Book of Philemon was the apostle Paul (Philemon 1:1). Paul is saying that for the sake of Jesus Christ Epaphroditus gambled his life. 1 Paul and Timothy, servants 1 of Christ Jesus,. G5532. Joy comes from living for and serving others, as did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy in this chapter. 26. They had sent him a financial gift through a man named Epaphroditus. Acts 16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. A little known Bible character named Epaphroditus became depressed. Fourth, Paul calls Epaphroditus a … The last two descriptions: messenger and minister, can be considered as one. Jesus Christ – Paul reflects on Him throughout the entire letter.. Timothy – Timothy is with Paul while Paul is in prison. About Epaphroditus, Paul described in Phil.3:25-30 "my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier". Both terms are connected and express a single idea. Not only delivering the help but staying in Rome to assist Paul in what ever way Paul needed. See John 9:3. _____ _____ Acts 16:11-15 1. ANSWERS. Jesus (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, romanized: Iēsoûs, likely from Hebrew/Aramaic: יֵשׁוּעַ , romanized: Yēšûaʿ), c. 4 BC – AD 30 / 33, also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. Paul urged to follow his example. Paul could have said to Epaphroditus, "Get over it, they'll live. It gives us a picture of Paul as compassionate, caring, & willing to go the extra mile to help his friend. Philippians 2:25”Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need..”. Paul did not reside in the Praetorium in Rome, but in a private house with a guard. 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.] Paul is hoping to send Timothy back to the church in Philippi as soon as possible. Epaphroditus brought Paul some money as a gift from the congregation. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Epaphroditus did that alongside Paul.
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