PAUL WAS a prisoner in Rome When he wrote the letter to the Philippians and the Colossians. The church Of Philippi had sent gifts and offerings for Paul by the hand of Epaphroditus. He was the messenger from the church of Philippi and ministered to Paul’s needs. It Was a common name in Greek and Latin meaning «attractive» «fascinating,» “charming,” derived from the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
However, he became ill in Rome and almost died. This saddened Paul and worried the Philippians. Paul sent him back to them, praising the great desire he had to be reunited with them (see Philippians 2:26—28).
The apostle called him «my brother,» but that was not all. In addition, he was a collaborator and fellow soldier. As a brother, they shared faith and communion; as a collaborator, they shared the mission and its progress; and as a fellow soldier, they shared the struggles of life and ministry.
Epaphroditus was balanced in his faith and dealt not only in communion, but also in the progress of the gospel, even in the midst of his struggles. Like Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with his sword in one hand and his tool in the other. You cannot build with a sword or fight with a tool. Both are needed to Carry out the Lords
Epaphroditus was interested in others. He cared for Paul when he heard that he was a prisoner in Rome and offered to make that long and dangerous journey to help and encourage him. He took the church’s offering of love, protecting it with his life. That is, he was not content to give an offering; he himself traveled to himself to the mission.
After being with Paul, he thought about his church and returned there to continue fulfilling the mission.
It is said that one day they were going to ordain a young pastor to the ministry. Before that emotional act, his father, who was a pastor, gave him three counsels; live every day near God, live every day near the people, and live in such a way that God is attractive to people and the people are attracted to God.
Epaphroditus was a blessing to Paul, to his church, and to us. Whoever is attracted to Christ becomes attractive to others.
