Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me. (Philippians 2:29-30)

Paul is the most notable and visible apostle in the New Testament, credited with writing thirteen books. It’s apparent in all accounts, however, that he could not have accomplished the mission work assigned to him without the support and help of many other men and women who are mentioned only briefly in scripture. One such man is Epaphroditus.

Epaphroditus lived in Philippi, a Roman colony located in Macedonia (present-day Greece). The city had little Jewish population and became an important stop along the Via Egnatia. Built by Rome to connect it with the outer parts of its provinces, this is the road Paul traveled as he established and strengthened the early Christian church.

I find the meaning of Epaphroditus’ name interesting. The Greek translates to “devoted to Aphrodite” which makes one wonder if he began life in a home dedicated to the worship of false gods. We don’t know how he came to faith, but upon meeting Paul, his devotion moved to Jesus, and he committed himself to serving Christ alongside this man for whom he had such great respect.

When we meet Epaphroditus, he is in Rome, having been sent by the believers in Philippi to take gifts of support to Paul, who is under house arrest. What began as a joyful visit with an old friend turns into a fight for his life, as he falls ill with a life-threatening sickness and almost dies. Paul expresses his deep gratitude that God saw fit to heal Epaphroditus. Having realized his family and friends are likely very worried about their messenger, Paul sends his dear friend home carrying the reassuring and encouraging letter we know as Philippians.

Paul uses five words to describe Epaphroditus: brother, worker, soldier, messenger, and minister. These five terms tell us much about this man’s deep faith and commitment to serving the Lord, and inspire us to imitate his faith.

Epaphroditus was a brother.

Paul clearly identifies Epaphroditus as a believer by calling him “brother.” The word indicates a member of the same family (the Greek adelphos, connection or union through the womb). A person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ is described as one who is “born again” and we are born into a new family – the body of Christ. This became Epaphroditus’ core identity.

Epaphroditus was a worker.

The Greek word synergos gives us a clue: think synergy. Also translated as “companion in labor,” Epaphroditus refused to simply be a spectator in the mission work. He labored alongside Paul with the same purpose and goal of leading others to faith in Christ and helping them grow in their faith. His presence was an answer to a prayer I’m sure Paul prayed in obedience to Jesus, as he beseeched the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).

Epaphroditus was a soldier.

In contrast to the many times Paul referred to others as his brethren, he only describes two people as a “fellow soldier.” A soldier engages in battle. He participates in the war. He commits to serve unflinchingly in the face of death. Epaphroditus had refused to sit on the sidelines even as he faced a life-threatening illness. He suffered hardship…as a good soldier of Jesus Christ so that he could please the one who enlisted him(2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Epaphroditus was a messenger.

This word is apostolos, one who is sent. Epaphroditus served not as an apostle in the sense that Paul did, but as one sent by his fellow believers in Philippi to check on Paul. This takes on much more meaning when you consider the distance between Philippi and Rome. The journey wound over inland roads and by ship, some 600-700 miles, and would have taken anywhere from four to eight weeks! Truly, Epaphroditus took serious Jesus’ admonition to go the second mile (Matthew 5:41).

Epaphroditus was a minister.

When Paul called his friend a minister, he used the Greek word leitourgos, which is more than simply caring for someone’s physical needs. Paul called himself a minister of the gospel to the Gentiles; Jesus became our high priest who ministers in the heavenly sanctuary. Epaphroditus’ faith positioned him in a place of responsibility for the spiritual condition of others. As iron sharpens iron, he ministered to Paul (Proverbs 27:17).

Do you have faith like Epaphroditus, willing to serve God with devotion that calls you to give up your comfort, your rights, and even your bodily health, to invest in the kingdom of God? Truly, such a life of faith is well-pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 – But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.