Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • 1st century AD
Epaphroditus
The Risk-Taking MessengerThe Philippian messenger who nearly died in service to Paul and was honored for hazarding his life for Christ.
"Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
Philippians 2:30 (KJV)
Overview
Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi to carry a financial gift to Paul during his imprisonment and to minister to his needs in person. While serving Paul, he became severely ill, to the point of nearly dying, a fact that caused great distress not only to himself but to the Philippians who had heard of his sickness. God had mercy on him and restored his health, and Paul, rather than keeping such a valuable helper by his side, sent him back to Philippi carrying the letter now known as the epistle to the Philippians, instructing the church to receive him joyfully and to hold men like him in reputation for having hazarded his life for the work of Christ.
Gospel Connection
Epaphroditus's willingness to risk his very life in service to Paul and the gospel reflects, in a human and limited way, the far greater self-giving of Christ himself, who did not merely risk death but willingly embraced it for the sake of others, and Paul's charge to honor those who serve at great personal cost reflects the gospel value that sacrificial love, wherever it is found in the body of Christ, deserves to be seen, celebrated, and imitated.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.