Epaphroditus (from Philippi)

The Messenger of the Philippians

Den tidiga kyrkanServantDisciplec. 30–70 AD

Epaphroditus was a faithful Christian from the church in Philippi who was sent to Paul in Rome with financial support. He became seriously ill during his stay but recovered and was sent back with Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul refers to him with great warmth as his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.

Nyckelhändelser

Sent from Philippi to Paul

The church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Rome with gifts and support for Paul, who was imprisoned. He was also to serve the apostle's needs.

Fil 4:18 Visa i sammanhang →

18I have received full payment and more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

ἀπέχω δὲ πάντα καὶ περισσεύω· πεπλήρωμαι δεξάμενος παρὰ Ἐπαφροδίτου τὰ παρʼ ὑμῶν, ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ θεῷ.

Serious Illness

During his stay in Rome, Epaphroditus became critically ill. News of his sickness reached Philippi, and he was worried that the church was anxious about him.

Fil 2:26 Visa i sammanhang →

26since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was ill.

ἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ⸀ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν.

Fil 2:27 Visa i sammanhang →

27Indeed he was ill, close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον ⸀θανάτῳ· ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ⸂ἠλέησεν αὐτόν⸃, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ.

God's Mercy and Healing

God showed mercy to Epaphroditus and healed him from his illness, which also spared Paul further grief.

Fil 2:27 Visa i sammanhang →

27Indeed he was ill, close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Paul's Praise and Recommendation

Paul described Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and urged the Philippians to receive him with joy and honor such men.

Fil 2:25 Visa i sammanhang →

25Still, I thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need—

Ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς,

Fil 2:29 Visa i sammanhang →

29Welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor,

προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε,

Fil 2:30 Visa i sammanhang →

30because he came near to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον ⸀Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, ⸀παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας.

Bearer of the Letter to the Philippians

Epaphroditus was sent back to Philippi and was likely the one who delivered Paul's letter to the church there.

Fil 2:28 Visa i sammanhang →

28So I am all the more eager to send him, that you may rejoice at seeing him again and my own sorrow may be eased.

σπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτὸν ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν χαρῆτε κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ.

Nämnd i Bibeln (2)

Filipperbrevet 2:25 Filipperbrevet 4:18