stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:25)

At some point, Paul would send Timothy to the Philippians. Until he could, he was not going to leave them empty-handed.  He thought it was “necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier” (v. 25). the Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Paul to minister to his needs while in prison. While he brought Paul a care package (4:18), he was much more than a courier.  Paul considered him a brother.  They were forever family in Christ.  Epaphroditus means “belonging to Aphrodite.”  God had saved a man who used to serve a pagan God and placed him into the family of God. That’s the power of the gospel!  Those we thought “too far gone” can be saved by Jesus.  Never give up on someone.  Keep praying for them.  Christ can change their life and give them a new name!  Epaphroditus once belonged to the devil.  Now, he belonged to Christ. Oh, what a Savior!

Paul thought of Epaphroditus as a co-worker as they were partners in the gospel.  As one who used to work for pagan gods, Epaphroditus now worked for God – and with Paul! Before Christ, we all were “workers of iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).  The devil worked in us, and we worked for him to gratify the cravings of our flesh (Ephesians 2:1-3). Since Christ had saved Epaphroditus (and us as well), we were made alive – his handiwork – to do the works he has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:8-10).  Oh, what a Redeemer!

He was also Paul’s fellow soldier, fighting the good fight of faith together. At one time, Epaphroditus fought against God. We all did. We were enemies of god, but God made us His friends (Romans 5:10). Epaphroditus may have fought against God and Christians at one point, but now he was fighting for God and with Paul. I’ve seen the bond of those who serve in the military or even war together.  It’s a life-long union. Those who fight for the things of Christ fight in an eternal army. Now that’s a band of brothers! What an honor to be in the Lord’s army. Oh, what a Commander!

Timothy and Epaphroditus were not only brothers, workers, and soldiers with Paul.  They were friends.  Someone who helps meet your spiritual and material needs is a friend.  We all need a friend in the Lord. One who cares about us more than themself (Philippians 2:26).  We should seek to be like Epaphroditus – a brother, worker, solder, and friend to others in the church and for Christ. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Who can you call a brother, worker, soldier, and friend? Who can call you these?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Consider what it means to be a brother, worker, soldier, and friend in the church.  Ask the Lord to grow you in these.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Prepare to write four short postcards of encouragement: one to a brother/sister in Christ, one to a fellow worker, one to a fellow soldier, and one to a friend.