Topical Bible: Love to Man: Epaphroditus

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Topical Encyclopedia

Epaphroditus is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Christian love and service. His account is primarily found in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, where he is depicted as a model of selfless devotion and brotherly love.

Background and Role

Epaphroditus was a member of the church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. The Philippian church had a special relationship with the Apostle Paul, marked by mutual affection and support. When Paul was imprisoned, the Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Rome to deliver a gift to Paul and to assist him in his needs. This act itself was a demonstration of the church's love and concern for Paul, and Epaphroditus was chosen as the emissary of this love.

Service and Sacrifice

Epaphroditus is described by Paul as "my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier" (Philippians 2:25). These titles reflect the deep bond and shared mission between Paul and Epaphroditus. As a "brother," he was part of the spiritual family; as a "fellow worker," he shared in the labor of the Gospel; and as a "fellow soldier," he was engaged in the spiritual battle alongside Paul.

During his time with Paul, Epaphroditus became gravely ill, to the point of nearly dying. Paul writes, "Indeed, he was ill and nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow" (Philippians 2:27). Despite his illness, Epaphroditus was more concerned about the distress his condition might cause the Philippians than about his own suffering. This selflessness is a profound example of love to man, prioritizing the well-being and peace of others over personal hardship.

Commendation and Example

Paul's commendation of Epaphroditus is significant. He urges the Philippians to "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" (Philippians 2:29-30). This exhortation highlights the value of sacrificial service and the honor due to those who exemplify such love.

Epaphroditus's actions embody the Christian principle of agape love—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. His willingness to risk his life for the sake of the Gospel and for the support of Paul is a testament to his deep love for both God and man. His example serves as an inspiration for believers to live out their faith through acts of love and service, even at great personal cost.

Legacy

Though Epaphroditus is mentioned only briefly in the New Testament, his legacy is enduring. He represents the ideal of Christian love in action, demonstrating that true love involves sacrifice, service, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. His life and service are a reminder of the call to love one another as Christ loved us, a central tenet of the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:25,26,30
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... But he sends the Epistle by Tychicus, retaining Epaphroditus with himself. ... those
stands vainglory arming him, but near the other, love of man, and gentleness ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... See then, how when he is about to send Epaphroditus as the ... his true wisdom, his
superiority to earthly things, his love toward man, his mercifulness. ...
/.../homily xv philippians iv 14-oct.htm

Philippians i. 22-26
... the prophets, for they had, in oil, a type of God's love to man ... The mercy of man
is toward ... which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10.) And of Epaphroditus he says ...
/.../homily iv philippians i 22-26.htm

Colossians iv. 12, 13
... Epaphroditus. ... please God, and be counted worthy to obtain the good things promised
to them that love Him, through the grace and love toward man of our ...
/.../homily xii colossians iv 12.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... in full+ (apecho); you have amply discharged love's obligations, in ... filled full,
in accepting from Epaphroditus what+ came ... you have sent to the man who serves ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... to fight against God and His Church, and puts a man in punishment ... savage beast,
[1304]ib.; of Cain from want of love, [1305]342 ... Epaphras, See [1307]Epaphroditus. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Marcus, My Son
... do for himself, and he does them all for love and nothing ... He had to be his factotum,
man of all work ... and Titus to look after other churches; Epaphroditus is an ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/marcus my son.htm

Written from Rome
... and forgiving one another, if any man have a ... kindness, humility, meekness, forbearance,
and the love of Christ. ... to Paul by the hand of Epaphroditus, whom Paul ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... his account, for this is the part of exceeding love. ... needful for him, so too for
this man, who would ... Then he shows how he esteemed Epaphroditus, and thence he ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... ii.26.); for if they heard about Epaphroditus, that he was sick ... and having so many
patterns, and the love that he ... in his saying, "For I have no man like minded ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm