Epaphroditus

A papyrus leaf of Philippians in an early Greek hand, worn at the edges -- Papyrus 16, third century. — Philippians 3 in Papyrus 16 (third century, Alexandria) -- an early copy of the letter Epaphroditus carried home. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

When the Philippians heard their apostle was imprisoned in Rome, they did what that church always did – gave – and sent the gift by the hand of Epaphroditus, one of their own, commissioned also to stay and serve Paul on the church’s behalf. Somewhere in the errand he nearly died: “he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him” (Philippians 2:25-27). Word of his illness reached Philippi, word of their worry bounced back to Rome, and the recovering messenger grew “distressed because you heard that he was ill” – homesick not for sympathy but from love.

So Paul sent him home carrying the letter to the Philippians itself, and wrote his cover note into the canon: “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need… Receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (Philippians 2:25-30). The verb Paul chose for “risking” is a gambler’s word – he staked his life.

Epaphroditus holds no office in Scripture, worked no miracle, and wrote nothing; he delivered a gift, got sick doing his duty, and worried about worrying his friends. Paul’s command still stands for the church’s quiet couriers and casserole-bringers everywhere: honor such people.

In the New Testament

Commended and sent home with the letter (Philippians 2:25-30; 4:18)

Key Locations

Philippi The Roman colony in Macedonia -- Lydia, the jailer, the midnight hymns, and Paul's most joyful letter.
Rome The capital of the empire -- Paul's destination, his prison, and the "Babylon" from which Peter wrote.