Topical Bible: The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus

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Epaphroditus is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Apostle Paul's ministry and the early Christian church. His account is a testament to the mercy of God, as seen through his service, suffering, and recovery.

Background and Role

Epaphroditus was a member of the church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. He is primarily mentioned in the Epistle to the Philippians, where Paul refers to him as "my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs" (Philippians 2:25). This description highlights his close relationship with Paul and his significant role in the early church. Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to deliver gifts to Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, demonstrating the strong bond and support between the Philippians and the apostle.

Suffering and God's Mercy

During his time with Paul, Epaphroditus fell gravely ill, to the point of near death. Paul writes, "Indeed, he was ill and almost 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). This passage underscores the mercy of God in sparing Epaphroditus's life, which was a source of great relief and joy for Paul. The mercy shown to Epaphroditus is a reflection of God's compassion and care for His servants, even in the midst of suffering and trials.

Return to Philippi

After his recovery, Paul deemed it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi. He writes, "Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less anxious" (Philippians 2:28). Paul's decision to send Epaphroditus back was not only a practical one but also a pastoral one, ensuring that the Philippians could see firsthand the mercy of God in action and rejoice in the restoration of their beloved messenger.

Recognition and Honor

Paul instructs the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus with joy and to honor him, stating, "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 selfless service and the recognition of God's mercy in preserving those who labor for the Gospel.

Epaphroditus's account is a powerful example of the mercy of God at work in the lives of His people. His dedication to serving Paul and the church, even at great personal risk, and his subsequent recovery from illness, serve as a reminder of God's compassion and faithfulness to those who serve Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:27
For indeed he was sick near to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow on sorrow.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philippians i. 22-26
... but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10.) And of Epaphroditus
he says, "For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him ...
/.../homily iv philippians i 22-26.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... ii.26.); for if they heard about Epaphroditus, that he was sick, he being no such
very ... If then [520] from mercy and loving-kindness God became man, and ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... "I am full," saith he, "having received of Epaphroditus the things which were ...
New-created and newborn of the Spirit by the mercy of God, let us imitate what ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... sent, and bare fruit, and it was they that dispatched Epaphroditus to him. ... Matthew
19:21, 29.), is the recompense for such"the mercy of God thou becomest ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... far better," how saith he that he hath obtained mercy? ... man, who would hereafter depart
to God with more ... Then he shows how he esteemed Epaphroditus, and thence ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Written from Rome
... and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants." While
in Rome, Epaphroditus was sick, "nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

2 Timothy i. 13-18
... my necessities." Again he says, speaking of Epaphroditus, "Because he ... For we ourselves
have need of great mercy. ... is on account of our sins that God, the Friend ...
/.../homily iii 2 timothy i.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... is entirely according to the will of God; that human ... of the believer's life as a
"mercy," even though "to ... vessel." He sees no sin in Epaphroditus' "falling ill ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Epaphroditus, infirmity of, [3306]515. ... zeal, [3640]ib.; ignorance of, produced by
unbelief, [3641]ib.; dwells on his sinfulness to extol God's mercy, [3642]420 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... And elsewhere we see him grieving at the infirmity of Epaphroditus, concerning whom
he writes, "He was sick nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him." (Philip ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm