Lexical Summary Epaphroditos: Epaphroditus Original Word: Ἐπαφρόδιτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Epaphroditus. From epi (in the sense of devoted to) and Aphrodite (Venus); Epaphroditus, a Christian -- Epaphroditus. Compare Epaphras. see GREEK epi see GREEK Epaphras NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and Aphrodité (name of Gr. goddess, Venus in Rom. myth.) Definition Epaphroditus, a Christian NASB Translation Epaphroditus (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1891: ἘπαφρόδιτοςἘπαφρόδιτος, Ἐπαφροδίτου, ὁ (from Ἀφροδιτη, properly, 'charming'), Epaphroditus, an associate with Paul in the ministry: Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:18. See Ἐπαφρᾶς above. Topical Lexicon Identity and Setting Epaphroditus emerges in the Epistle to the Philippians as a trusted emissary sent by the church in Philippi to minister to the apostle Paul during his Roman imprisonment. His name appears in Philippians 2:25 and Philippians 4:18, and nowhere else in the New Testament. He belongs to the first generation of Gentile believers whose faith took concrete shape in sacrificial service to the gospel. Commission from the Philippian Church The congregation entrusted Epaphroditus with a dual task: to deliver their monetary gift to Paul and to stay on in Rome as the apostle’s personal attendant. In Paul’s words, he was “your messenger and minister to my need” (Philippians 2:25). The term translated “messenger” (ἀπόστολος) shows that the church recognized a limited, mission-oriented apostleship distinct from the unique apostolic office held by Paul and the Twelve. Epaphroditus thus stands as an early example of a commissioned lay envoy, bridging distance between a local assembly and its missionary. Peril and Preservation While fulfilling his commission, Epaphroditus became gravely ill—“he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit in service to me” (Philippians 2:30). Paul interprets his recovery as God’s mercy upon both worker and church, sparing Paul “sorrow upon sorrow” (Philippians 2:27). The narrative underscores the physical dangers faced by first-century believers who traveled long distances and cared for prisoners, highlighting divine providence at work in mission. Commendations of Character Paul heaps five distinct titles on Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25: “brother,” “fellow worker,” “fellow soldier,” “your messenger,” and “minister to my need.” Together they paint a portrait of balanced Christian maturity: • Family bond—“brother” situates him within the redeemed household. Model for Christ-like Service Epaphroditus forms part of a triad of examples placed before the Philippian believers—Jesus (2:6-11), Paul (2:17-18), Timothy (2:19-24), and then Epaphroditus (2:25-30). Each illustrates self-emptying love that puts others first (Philippians 2:3-4). His willingness to “risk” life (lit. “gambled”) anticipates later Christian benevolent societies—such as the second-century σπἀνδονται who nursed plague victims—showing how early Church memory of Epaphroditus inspired hazardous mercy ministries. Relationship to Paul’s Gratitude The financial gift delivered by Epaphroditus occasions Paul’s classic thanksgiving: “I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Here the messenger’s role transcends logistics; he transforms material aid into spiritual worship, offering priestly mediation between congregation and apostle. Reception and Honor in Philippi Paul charges the church to “welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him” (Philippians 2:29). The directive signals a prototype for missionary debriefing: communities should celebrate returning servants, validate their sacrifices, and publicly affirm gospel-driven risk. Legacy for Ecclesial Mission 1. Individual believers, not just ordained leaders, may carry apostolic-style initiatives under church authorization. Epaphroditus, though mentioned only twice, leaves a lasting imprint as a lay missionary, caregiver, and living sacrifice—an enduring template for congregationally sent workers who combine practical aid with gospel fidelity. Forms and Transliterations επαφή επαφήσεις επαφήσω Επαφροδιτον Ἐπαφρόδιτον Επαφροδιτου Ἐπαφροδίτου Epaphroditon Epaphróditon Epaphroditou EpaphrodítouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 2:25 N-AMSGRK: δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν NAS: to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother KJV: to you Epaphroditus, my brother, INT: moreover I esteemed [it] Epaphroditus the brother Philippians 4:18 N-GMS Strong's Greek 1891 |
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