Honor Such Men: Epaphroditus
INTRODUCTION
Epaphroditus was himself the most valuable gift that came to Paul from Philippi—a self-giving, tireless, sacrificial, and humble servant of the highest caliber.
MAJOR IDEAS
CONCLUSION
Well might we honour such a man; and well might we wish to be like him. But, indeed, that is the purpose of the portraits given here of Epaphroditus, Timothy and Paul. The grace of God had been at work in them. The effectual work of the indwelling God (verse 13) was changing them, in will and deed, into the likeness of the great Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ. They were varied characters, with varying gifts and diverse temperaments; their backgrounds could not have been more dissimilar; but they were each coming to resemble the Saviour; they loved him and followed his example.
What was true of them can be true of us; God has not changed.
Soon after New Testament times, a group of Christians banded together in an association they called Parabolani, which means “The Gamblers.” Taking Epaphroditus as their model, they visited prisoners and ministered to the sick, especially those with dangerous communicable diseases whom no one else would help. They boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went (William Barclay, The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians [rev. ed., Louisville, Ky.: Westminster, 1975], 50).
His life entailed much risk; but it was no gamble.