BIBLE CHARACTER: Known – Yet Unknown

Remembering Epaphroditus and Epaphras…..

 

Recorded in Paul’s epistles are the names of people he remembered. Some appear to be simply mentioned by him in passing, with very little background information supplied. Without allowing our imagination to run riot it is possible to look at what we are told and make a few relevant comments about some of them.

 

 

Two of the people mentioned by Paul have very similar names, and it would be easy to confuse their identity. Epaphroditus features in Philippians, while Epaphras is mentioned in Colossians. Taking the details recorded in Scripture, let us create a small vignette of each of them.

 

EPAPHRODITUS

Paul’s relationship with the Philippians was warm and affectionate. He was concerned to know of their circumstances, but his imprisonment had prevented him from visiting them. A trusted representative was needed, but who could it be? At once Paul thought of Epaphroditus, his “brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier” (Phil.2:25 KJV). Notice how Paul did not consider he was superior but regarded Epaphroditus as being on a par with him. Being his “brother” indicated a close relationship. He was both a fellow-worker and a fellow-warrior, thus serving the Lord as Paul was and fighting in His battles.

 

If, as suggested, his name means “charming” how well he lived up to its meaning! Evidently Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians for he is described as “your messenger” and had ministered to Paul. He had been sick and was touched by the concern of the Philippians who expressed their sorrow at his illness. The affection between them is therefore abundantly clear. Epaphroditus had been “sick unto death” on account of “the work of Christ” (v.27,30). He had laboured to the point of exhaustion and had over-taxed himself. His commitment to the Lord’s service had almost brought his life to an early end. Paul honoured him greatly and told the Philippians to respect such devoted servants of the Lord (v.29).

 

The early Homecall of Epaphroditus would have been a blessing for him as it would have resulted in an instant entrance to glory. However, he would have been missed by so many of his friends – including Paul. For this reason the apostle referred to his recovery as an act of “mercy” from God. Knowing how much pressure Paul was experiencing at the time, the Lord deemed it best to heal Epaphroditus and raise him up for future service lest Paul should have experienced “sorrow upon sorrow” (v.27).

 

What a dear servant of the Lord Epaphroditus was! We should show the utmost respect for those who give their all in the Master’s service. How do we match up to his example? Are we labouring for the Master and engaging in warfare for Him without counting the cost? Epaphroditus has a permanent place in Holy Scripture for that very reason.

 

EPAPHRAS

Epaphras (whose name may mean “devoted”) is not to be confused with Epaphroditus. He is mentioned in Colossians and Philemon. In Colossians 1 we discover that he was “a faithful minister of Christ” at Colosse who brought news to Paul of the Colossians’ “love in the Spirit” (v.7,8). His ministry was appreciated, for Paul describes him as a “dear fellowservant” (v.7). When Paul penned his epistle to the Colossians Epaphras was present with him (Col.4:12,13). Absent from his home church for a while, he sent them his greetings in the Lord. Bearing witness to the prayers of this man, Paul recorded that he was “labouring fervently” for them and for their stability and obedience to the Lord. His prayers were therefore noticeable and “always” – not just occasional. In a note of personal testimony Paul witnessed to the fact that he possessed “a great zeal” for the believers at Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

 

One more verse provides a little insight. In Philemon he is described as Paul’s “fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus” (v.23). It could be asked why he was in prison with Paul. Had been arrested along with the apostle, or could he have chosen to go to prison with him in order to provide encouragement? The question can only be raised, not answered with any degree of certainty.

 

Epaphroditus and Epaphras have both gone, but true and challenging words of testimony could have been etched upon their gravestones. They set us an inspiring example to follow.