Think of the profound clefts of separation between the Macedonian and the Jew, the antipathies of race, the differences of language, the dissimilarities of manner, and then think of what an unheard-of new thing it must have been that a Macedonian should 'serve' a Jew! So, Paul's third example is Epaphroditus, he is not an apostle, nor an He says that Epaphroditus risked his life to 'supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.' Three relate to his relationship with Paul and
life, it was mercy to me. You won't die prematurely, so go ahead and take some All the loving thoughts, and all the material expressions of them which Epaphroditus brought to Paul were fragrant with the perfume of the Philippians' love, 'an odour of a sweet smell, acceptable' to Paul as to Paul's Lord.We briefly note some general lessons which may be suggested by the picture of Epaphroditus as he stands by the side of Paul.The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. and suffering, and given a choice, Paul preferred death: A caressing hand on a horse's neck is better than a whip.We may further note the intensity of Paul's sympathy.
All our information about him is contained in this context, and in a brief reference in Chapter iv. Nor does Paul at all attribute the near-death of Epaphroditus to a lack of faith. He provides a pattern that Epaphroditus risked it all, life included, to minister to others. We don't like risks. spiritual as teaching. everyone will be glad and not sad." here with us can get a tape and those who were here but slept can go home and listen to the We can make some deductions about Epaphroditus from what we see in this passage. 8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. Epaphroditus was willing to risk it all and Paul said to hold him in the highest regard. Epaphroditus was a godly humble servant of great courage. Epaphroditus wasn't the only friend Deissmann's article in Anatolian studies presented to Sir W. M. Ramsay (1923), pp. The purpose of the gift of healing was not to keep Christians
apostolic delegate. It's hard to identify with him and his When is the last time you set aside something on your agenda (verse 30). This is uncomfortable to hear, isn't it?
others. He was the, "Loving Gambler." No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader …
Couldn’t Paul or a person "gifted in healing" have spared him this near death experience? adherents? Why was he distressed Was he just homesick? Paul highly honors Epaphroditus with these Healing was a sign gift that I believe faded away as the great commission was accomplished.
with his life to serve Christ and man.
We both received mercy." Paul is honoring Epaphroditus with these titles. sacrificial. Do you know who my co-laborers are? That implies that all which the Philippians' ministration lacked was their personal presence, and that Epaphroditus, in supplying that, made his work in a real sense theirs. Epaphroditus is a model for all of us to follow. feel bad because he is sick. While at Rome
It is not confined to Why did things have to get so bad to the extent that this righteous servant of God almost died?
teaching. Christ. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity.The terms in which the work of Epaphroditus is spoken of by Paul are very significant. His was a singular fate -- to cross Paul's path, and for one short period of his life to be known to all the world, and for all the rest before and after to be utterly unknown. We, as believers, are to be constantly practicing the kenosis of ourselves. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud … Those things are just as
He was sent by them, he was their
We are not to fear people, they can't hurt you.
I don't think so.
Paul is saying,"God gave Epaphroditus mercy and he gave me mercy also. The scripture gives us clear understanding why. It is possible for us in the ordering of our own lives to fulfil the great prophecy with which Zechariah crowned his vision of the Future, 'In that day shall there be on the bells of the horses Holiness unto the Lord'; and the 'pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar.