There are many characters with fleeting roles in the Bible. They come for a very short role, those might even be unnoticeable. Epaphroditus was such a man, who had a very short but significant role to play.
Philippians 2: 30:- because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
The idea or the concept of Christian love and humility is what Apostle Paul is expressing in the second chapter of the letter to Philippians. He talks about the attitude of Christ, who regarded the interest of other people important than himself. With all the theoretical explanation in the beginning, we are presented with a practical example by the end of the chapter. Epaphroditus; he was a believer from the church in Philippi. Now, this person is not mentioned just as a believer. Paul presents him as 'my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need'. Sounds more like a model of example, right? Well, hold on because there is more to come.
The striking fact about Epaphroditus does not end with the description. Apparently, he had come all the way from Philippi to Rome to be of help to Paul. He served and took care of Paul, and also brought the gifts that the Philippians kept aside for Paul.
Moreover, the serving attitude of Epaphroditus was such that he was inclined to taking care of Paul though he himself became fatally ill, even to the point of death. All in all, he was a representative of the Phillippe church dedicated wholeheartedly to the service and care of Apostle Paul.
This attitude of Epaphroditus is the brotherly love that we as 'followers of Christ' are supposed to have; a shoulder of help to those in need. Fellowship with God and fellowship with believers around us are both important in our Christian walk.
Philippians 2: 30:- because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
The idea or the concept of Christian love and humility is what Apostle Paul is expressing in the second chapter of the letter to Philippians. He talks about the attitude of Christ, who regarded the interest of other people important than himself. With all the theoretical explanation in the beginning, we are presented with a practical example by the end of the chapter. Epaphroditus; he was a believer from the church in Philippi. Now, this person is not mentioned just as a believer. Paul presents him as 'my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need'. Sounds more like a model of example, right? Well, hold on because there is more to come.
The striking fact about Epaphroditus does not end with the description. Apparently, he had come all the way from Philippi to Rome to be of help to Paul. He served and took care of Paul, and also brought the gifts that the Philippians kept aside for Paul.
Moreover, the serving attitude of Epaphroditus was such that he was inclined to taking care of Paul though he himself became fatally ill, even to the point of death. All in all, he was a representative of the Phillippe church dedicated wholeheartedly to the service and care of Apostle Paul.
This attitude of Epaphroditus is the brotherly love that we as 'followers of Christ' are supposed to have; a shoulder of help to those in need. Fellowship with God and fellowship with believers around us are both important in our Christian walk.
Ansu Susan Oommen
Ansu is a student of Delhi University and a youth leader in Crossway. She can be reached at ansususan9828@gmail.com
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