Epaphroditus is a notable figure in the New Testament, primarily mentioned in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. His name, of Greek origin, means "charming" or "lovely," and he is recognized for his dedicated service to the early Christian church.

Biblical References:

Epaphroditus is mentioned explicitly in Philippians 2:25-30 and Philippians 4:18. In Philippians 2:25, Paul writes, "But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs." This passage highlights the close relationship between Paul and Epaphroditus, describing him as a "brother," "fellow worker," and "fellow soldier," indicating a deep spiritual kinship and shared mission in the work of the Gospel.

In Philippians 2:26-27, Paul continues, "For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed, he was sick, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow." This account reveals Epaphroditus's dedication and the peril he faced in his service, as well as the compassion and providence of God in his recovery.

Philippians 4:18 further illustrates his role as a messenger and provider: "I have received everything in full and have an abundance. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Here, Epaphroditus is seen as a vital link between the Philippian church and Paul, delivering their gifts and support, which Paul describes as a "fragrant offering" and "acceptable sacrifice."

Role and Significance:

Epaphroditus's role as a messenger and minister is significant in the context of the early church. He was sent by the Philippian church to assist Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, demonstrating the interconnectedness and mutual support among early Christian communities. His willingness to risk his life for the work of Christ exemplifies the sacrificial nature of Christian service.

Paul's commendation of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:29-30 underscores his value: "Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me." This exhortation to honor Epaphroditus reflects the high regard in which he was held and serves as an encouragement to the church to recognize and appreciate those who labor for the Gospel.

Theological Implications:

Epaphroditus's account provides insight into the early church's dynamics, emphasizing themes of fellowship, sacrifice, and divine providence. His life and service illustrate the call to selflessness and dedication in the Christian walk, serving as a model for believers to emulate. His recovery from illness is a testament to God's mercy and the power of prayer within the community of faith.

In summary, Epaphroditus stands as a testament to the spirit of cooperation and sacrifice that characterized the early Christian movement, embodying the principles of brotherhood, service, and perseverance in the face of adversity.Epaphroditus

agreeable; handsome

Epaphroditus

(lovely), the full name of which Epaphras is a contraction. (Philemon 2:25; 4:18)

Epaphroditus

A member of the church at Philipi, charged with the supplies which that church contributed for the relief of Paul while imprisoned at Rome, Philippians 2:25 4:18. This labor of love brought on him a serious illness at Rome, on which occasion we see how much he was esteemed and beloved both by Paul and the Philippians, Philippians 2:25-30. On his return he was the bearer of the epistle to them.

Fair, graceful; belonging to Aphrodite or Venus the messenger who came from Phillipi to the apostle when he was a prisoner at Rome (Philippians 2:25-30; 4:10-18). Paul mentions him in words of esteem and affection. On his return to Philippi he was the bearer of Paul's letter to the church there. EPAPHRODITUS

e-paf-ro-di'-tus (Epaphroditos, "lovely"):

Mentioned only in Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:18. The name corresponds to the Latin Venustus (= handsome), 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

1891. Epaphroditos -- Epaphroditus, a Christian
... Epaphroditus, a Christian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
Epaphroditos Phonetic Spelling: (ep-af-rod'-ee-tos) Short Definition: Epaphroditus ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1891.htm - 6k

1889. Epaphras -- Epaphras, a Christian
... of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Epaphras Phonetic Spelling: (ep-af-ras')
Short Definition: Epaphras Definition: Epaphras, Epaphroditus, a Colossian ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1889.htm - 6k

Philippians ii. 19-21
... Because Epaphroditus would have reported his state before the arrival of
Timothy. Wherefore further on he says, "But I counted it ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Apion Book 1 Footnotes
... of Trajan, or AD100. To which Noldius also agrees, de Herod, No.383
[Epaphroditus]. "Since Florius Josephus," says Dr. Hudson, "wrote ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/apion book 1 footnotes.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... 2. But the Philippians had sent to him Epaphroditus, to carry him money, and to
know the things concerning him, for they were most lovingly disposed toward him ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians
... Philippians 2:24 shows that he was expecting a speedy decision on his case.
Epaphroditus, probably not the Colossian Epaphras who was with St. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xvi the epistle of.htm

Introductory
... When Epaphroditus crossed the mountains and the sea to carry a generous gift of
money to St Paul, risking his life (ii.27) somehow by dangerous sickness in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter i introductory.htm

Philippians iii. 3-Jan
... how matters were with Paul; they were in despondency because they thought that it
was already over with him, because of the preaching, because of Epaphroditus. ...
/.../homily x philippians iii 3-jan.htm

Preface Footnotes
... 93, about eighteen years later. [4] This Epaphroditus was certainly alive
in the third year of Trajan, AD100. See the note on the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/preface footnotes.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you."
[268:1] Here, Epaphroditus is presented to us as the angel of the Church of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

Written from Rome
... The church at Philippi had sent gifts to Paul by the hand of Epaphroditus, whom
Paul calls "my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

The Supremacy of Christ
... Philippians was sent by the hand of Epaphroditus (Phil.2:25; 4:18). ... While in Rome,
Epaphroditus was taken very sick and came near death (2:25-28). ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study ix the supremacy of.htm

Epaphroditus (2 Occurrences)
...EPAPHRODITUS. ...Epaphroditus was the delegate of the Christian community at Philippi,
sent with their gift to Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. ...
/e/epaphroditus.htm - 9k

Epaphrodi'tus (2 Occurrences)
Epaphrodi'tus. Epaphroditus, Epaphrodi'tus. Eparchy . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Epaphroditus, Epaphrodi'tus. Eparchy . Reference Bible.
/e/epaphrodi'tus.htm - 7k

Yoke-fellow (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Philippians 4:3), one of the apostle's
fellow-labourers. Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. ...
/y/yoke-fellow.htm - 9k

Yokefellow
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Philippians 4:3), one of the apostle's
fellow-labourers. Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. ...
/y/yokefellow.htm - 9k

Wants (49 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he ...
/w/wants.htm - 20k

Philippians (2 Occurrences)
... The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, with contributions to meet
the necessities of the apostle; and on his return Paul sent back with him ...
/p/philippians.htm - 42k

Odour (43 Occurrences)
... Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus
the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a ...
/o/odour.htm - 20k

Odor (46 Occurrences)
... My wants are fully satisfied now that I have received from the hands of Epaphroditus
the generous gifts which you sent me--they are a fragrant odor, an ...
/o/odor.htm - 22k

Generous (17 Occurrences)
... My wants are fully satisfied now that I have received from the hands of Epaphroditus
the generous gifts which you sent me--they are a fragrant odor, an ...
/g/generous.htm - 11k

Wellpleasing (2 Occurrences)
... Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus
the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a ...
/w/wellpleasing.htm - 7k

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