What's in a name? Epaphroditus

Our Adult Bible Study Fellowship (Sunday School class for some of you) is embarking on a journey through Philippians. This letter from Paul to the congregation at Philippi is one of my favorites. You can read all about the gospel being presented to the residents of Philippi in Acts 16. We have also just finished Galatians and Ephesians. So over the next several weeks I will be diving into the Word of God to share rich truths from these letters. They are called "prison letters" because the Apostle Paul is in jail (actually house arrest) in Rome. So these letters are personal in their presentations.

One of my interests is with individuals who are only mentioned once or maybe 1 or 2 times. One of those is listed here in the letter to the Philippians. His name is Epaphroditus and he is only mentioned in this letter. Even though his name is not real familiar like Moses, David or Peter, he plays an important part in the advancement of the Kingdom. We find that Epaphroditus comes all the way from Philippi to minister to Paul in prison. Then we learn that he travels all the way back to Philippi to take the "Philippian" letter from Paul to the believers.

We learn several things about this man who has no monuments or statutes dedicated to him. Here is how Paul describes him in Philippians chapter 2.

1) Paul calls him a servant, a minister. Paul feels distressed that the Philippians might worry about him when he became sick. (vv. 25-26)

2) He is a risk taker. Paul calls him a fellow warrior. We find that he keeps risking his life for others when most who have taken the easy way and not ventured out from their home city and church. (vv. 25, 30)

3) Epaphroditus is a tire-less worker. It seems that his illness is related to his unending hard work ethic. (vv. 25, 27)

4) Paul calls him a messenger and advices the church in Philippi to give him a hero's welcome. (vv. 25, 29). It seems that Epaphroditus both led and served as became a spokesman for the body of believers at Philippi.

There are tons of Epaphroditus' in our congregations today. They operate behind the scenes. They are content to work hard, serve diligently and give all praise and credit to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every congregation has these wonderful folks who serve. Even though these servants seem to serve in obscurity they fill a vital place in building the kingdom of God. Even though we don't see their names mentioned very often...there is one who knows all and sees all and in His Kingdom, He gives out the rewards and the crowns. He won't forget their service...as He doesn't forget the name of this servant in Philippians...Epaphroditus.

Join us as we study and read through this wonderful "letter of joy" called Philippians. We will find rich nuggets of truth as we study.

Recommend Reading!

There a many books we could share and recommend. However I will put my
stamp on two for you today. One is just out. Max Lucado's new book, "Fearless" is
not only good but NEEDED today. Oh, how we need courage today. Courage to
live the life, courage to stand for truth, and courage to do the right thing.

Second book is by Charles (Chuck) Colson, "The Faith - Given Once, For All"
Jude 3
Here's a little to wet your appetite...
"The challenges of anti-theism and radical Islam could not come at a worse time
for the church, because most Christians do not understand what they believe,
why they believe it, and why it matters. how can a Christianity that is not
understood be practiced? And how can it be presented in its character as peace,
freedom, and joy? How are skeptics to understand Christianity's positive
aspects. Tragically, postmodern culture has been infected and weakened
the Church, particularly in the West."

Both are good. As with all my recommendations, if there is something you don't
agree with, research, pray and as always take the good of the writing.
God bless.