Philippians 2:25 (KJV) Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Everything we know of Epaphroditus is in this book of Philippians. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, dependent upon others for his survival and service. Epaphroditus is from Philippi. He traveled well over a thousand miles by road and possibly by sea to bring Paul needed supplies from the Philippian church. This physical journey weakened him to such an extent that he got a deadly illness that thankfully God healed him from. He risked his own life ministering to Paul.

We must look at the context of Philippians chapter two. Paul has been teaching humility and of being of one accord and one mind. I believe that Paul still has Euodias and Syntyche (Phil. 4:2) in mind. In Philippians 2:25-30 Epaphroditus exemplifies the opposite of what is going on with Euodias and Syntyche and possibly other members of the church. Paul says five good things about Epaphroditus that would be good things for all of us:

• My Brother – Of course, Epaphroditus was a brother in the Lord, as Paul and Epaphroditus were both children of God. But we see in this term a special closeness that Paul had with him.
• My Companion in Labour – In doing the work of God, Epaphroditus wan not independent. He worked with Paul. There was no envy or competition. He wanted to help in whatever area he was needed in without complaint.
• My Fellowsoldier – It was dangerous work. It took a certain toughness. Later, Paul would write to Timothy: 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV) Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
• Your Messenger – Epaphroditus faithfully carried out his assignment for the church at Philippi even though the journey has hard and discouraging.
• Your Minister – This is high praise for Epaphroditus. The Greek word here for minister was only used of great men who were important benefactors. His sacrifice in being a benefactor of Paul and of the Gospel made him worthy of this word.



As we labor together at New Testament Baptist Church, let’s have the camaraderie of brotherhood and sisterhood that comes from serving the Lord together in the right spirit.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry