Messenger of the Philippian Church
Epaphroditus
ih-paf-roh-DY-tus
A member of the Philippian church sent to deliver support to Paul in prison, who fell critically ill in the process and whom Paul praises as 'brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.'
Life and work
The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Paul, likely during a Roman imprisonment, carrying a gift and staying on to minister to Paul's needs in person (Philippians 2:25, 4:18). The mission nearly cost him his life — he became so ill that Paul says he 'was ill, near to death,' and reports that God had mercy on both Epaphroditus and Paul by sparing him, sparing Paul 'sorrow upon sorrow' (Philippians 2:27).
Paul sends him back to Philippi ahead of this letter, urging the church to welcome him 'in the Lord with all joy' and to honor men like him, since he risked his life to complete what the Philippians themselves could not do for Paul in person (Philippians 2:25-30).
- Occupation
- Church messenger, sent from Philippi to minister to Paul.
- Places
- Philippi; traveled to wherever Paul was imprisoned.
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record of Epaphroditus survives outside Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Scripture references
- Philippians 2:25-30 — Paul praises Epaphroditus's service and near-fatal illness
- Philippians 4:18 — Brought the Philippians' gift to Paul
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