Read: Philippians 2:19-29
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier . . . and minister to my need. (v. 25)
Epaphroditus likely did not come from a Christian family. He was actually named after the Greek goddess Aphrodite. He grew up in Philippi (or at some point moved there) and became a follower of Christ. How far back his connection with Paul goes, we do not know. What we do know is that, on behalf of the church, Epaphroditus came to Rome with help for Paul.
In first-century Rome a prisoner was not taken care of by the state. The necessities of life, such as food, had to be supplied by friends. Epaphroditus had been given money by the Philippian church and then sent to Rome to take care of Paul’s needs with that money. He likely stayed in Rome for over a year. No doubt he went on ministering to Paul’s needs out of his own finances. Paul even says that he “nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life . . . in . . . service to me” (v. 30).
His public commitment to Paul in his prison exposed Epaphroditus to disease. His life was at risk. In fact, the words “risking his life” were the words of a gambler, literally, “to stake everything on the role of the dice.” For the sake of Jesus, Epaphroditus gambled with his own life so that he could minister to his friend in prison.
As you pray, ask God to help you to be an Epaphroditus to someone.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
