Homework Answers – Week FourBiographical Study: Epaphroditus

To start we needed to find out where in scripture Epaphroditus was mentioned.

1. Look up “Epaphroditus” in Nave’s Topical Bible and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. List verses where Epaphroditus is found:

Nave’s Topical: Philippians 2:25-27, 30, Philippians 4:18

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Philippians 2:25, 4:18

2. How does Paul describe Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25?

My Brother, Fellow-worker, Fellow-soldier, Messenger, Minister

He was a Christian brother. Note the tenderness: Paul called him "my brother." A brother is a person who has the same parent. Epaphroditus was born of God. He had placed his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and God had honored his faith by giving him a new birth—a spiritual birth. Therefore, he was a brother to Paul and a member of God's family.

He was a companion in the work of the Lord (Fellow-worker). Many persons serve in the work of the Lord, but not everyone is a true companion in labor. A true companion is by the side of his friend; he is there with him: understanding, feeling, supporting, consoling, comforting, encouraging, and helping whenever needed. Epaphroditus was a true example of a companion in labor. Paul was a prisoner about to stand trial for his life, and he had been forsaken by most believers (2 Tim. 4:16). But note Epaphroditus: he stood by Paul despite the severe circumstances.—Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary

He was a fellowsoldier. No doubt this refers to the hardiness and steadfastness of Epaphroditus. By sticking so closely to Paul, he ran the risk of being identified as a follower of Paul who was being falsely tried as an insurrectionist against the state. This danger was probably the reason so many believers forsook Paul (2 Tim. 4:16). But not Epaphroditus; he stood fast—he stood as a fellowsoldier with Paul despite the danger and despite his own ill health.

He was a messenger of the church. The word "messenger" is apostolos which is the very word for apostle. The word means messenger, an ambassador sent on a very special mission.

Paul is saying that this dear saint of God had been called as a very special messenger and ambassador for God. He was a very special apostle, a very special messenger of God.

He was a very special minister (leitourgon PWS: 2600). Barclay points out that this word would have great meaning to the Greek minds of the Philippian church. The word (leitourgon PWS: 2600) was a great word and was used only of great men. The title was bestowed only upon great benefactors, men who loved their city, culture, arts, or sports so much that they gave huge sums of money to support these functions. The person was looked upon as a great servant or minister given over to his cause. Paul is here bestowing the great title of minister (leitourgon) upon Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus was an extraordinary minister of God who ministered to Paul's needs

3. Notice other people who are listed as “Fellow-workers” in the cross-references. List the Cross-reference (from middle column in the Key Word Study Bible), look them up and list who the “Fellow-workers” are:

Romans 16:3 – Priscilla & Aquila, Romans 16:9 – Urbanus, Romans 16:2 – Timothy, Phil. 4:3 – Fellow workers in Book of Life, Philemon 1 – Philemon, Philemon 24 – Mark, Aristachus, Demas, Luke

4. Acts 16:1 states Timothy was part Jew and part Greek. According to “Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia” how do we know Epaphroditus was not of Jewish origin?

His Greek name corresponding to the Lat. Venustu (belonging to Venus) indicated a non-Jewish origin.

5. What did Epaphroditus do when he heard that Paul was in prison in Rome? Do you know someone like this or are you this type of person?

He volunteered to make that long, dangerous trip to Rome to stand at Paul’s side and assist him. He carried the Church love gift with him protecting it with his own life.

6. What happened to Epaphroditus after arriving in Rome? Phil 2:26-27

While there in Rome he had become deathly sick, almost died. At that point, Epaphroditus could have forsaken the mission of the church. He could have concluded that the mission was not worth losing his life over and returned home. But as a true soldier of Jesus Christ, he would not, and he did not. This brings us to our next question:

7. Why was Epaphroditus burdened for his own church in Philippi? Notice his submissive mind – He did not think of himself.

In fact, note the glorious testimony of this verse. Epaphroditus was not concerned over his welfare, but over the church's welfare.

He was burdened over the people because they had heard he was ill and they were worried about him. He was more concerned with their well-being than his own.

8. Look up “Heaviness” in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – write the Strong’s number for the Original Greek word: 85. Then look up “Heaviness” in Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary and read the definition. Notice how this is the same word used in Philippians 2:26 for Epaphroditus as he was distressed for his home church as was Christ in Gethsemane in Matt. 26:37, and Mark 14:33. (Philippians 2:26 in the NASB states “Distressed” where as in KJV it states “Full of Heaviness”).

9. What does it mean to live in Philippians 1:21 not Philippians 2:21?

Phil. 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil 2:21 – “For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.” How many of us seek out our own interests when we should be seeking out Christ’s. Our lives should count everyday for Jesus Christ.

10. Epaphroditus truly had a Servants heart. What touched you the most about Epaphroditus and why?

Epaphroditus was faithful to his call and to his church. He did not quit nor forsake the church. He had every reason to, but he did not. He stood fast despite the worst kind of circumstances and the threat to his own life. What a heart of tenderness, warmth, softness, and of ministry! Just the kind of heart we all need—especially the ministers of the gospel.