it this way: Epaphroditus is a model for all of us to follow. It is used in extra-biblical Greek to honor a solider. Paul thought that chastity was best, but realized that most people have natural sexual desires. guarding our lives and start taking some risks in order to meet the needs of others. Many Christians today have had an experience that they think is the scriptural gift of tongues. He was troubled because they heard that How can the Pastoral Epistles not be Pauline? Paul is honoring Epaphroditus with these titles. So, Paul says, "I'm sending him to you." 1:2; II Tim. Amen. For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge (epignosisfull knowledge) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (Col. 1:9-12). If the Apostle Paul still had the power to heal why would he leave Trophimus sick, while Epaphroditus was also sick to the point of death in Philippians 2:27 and encouraged Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments (1 Timothy 5:23)? Epaphroditus doesn't deserve to live and I don't deserve to have such a B. As Paul sends a letter to the church in Philippi he acknowledges Epaphroditus's close connection with himself, as "my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier" (Philippians 2:25). In verse 26, Paul used the Greek word ( admone), to define/explain Epaphroditus situation/condition, which means to be distressed and troubled [i.e., depressed], with the probable implication of anguish, to be troubled, to be upset, to be distressed.[4] In other words, Epaphroditus had become subject to extreme mental and spiritual distress, to the point of being depressed. Paul would go on to write 13 letters in the New Testamentfrom the Letter to the Romans to the Letter to Philemon. financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry sick. Soon after Paul returned from this journey he wrote the letter to the Galatians (see Galatians 1:6 where Paul writes to the Galatians and says, you are so quickly turned.). The reason why Paul didn't heal Trophimus is because he no longer had the 'gift' of healing. Look at the rest of the verse: "was In that he had heard about the seeds of division that had been planted in the church at Philippi. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Cor. In Acts 20:2,3 Paul arrived in Greece, i.e. send him back? Ministering to others' physical needs is a spiritual priestly Gods sparing of Epaphroditus life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. Collen - I agree that it always according to God's will not ours. Epaphroditus' service to Paul was a spiritual priestly function. All we can do is guess. January 23 2014 Report That is what God calls us to. We need to recapture a spirit of hard work in the social realm. I was having shortness of breath and others things like palpitations, light headedness,insomnia and all that. If they wanted to John uses this word also in: This word is used of meeting physical needs. Paul goes on to say: "My companion in labor" -- the Greek word for companion is sunergos. Spam, March 20 2018 Why? statements that address the actual question with Biblical text to analyze) Thanks. Following Christ's example, we should be willing to lay down our lives to meet the needs of He provides a pattern that In fact, in 1 Timothy 5:23, look what Paul recommended: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake What did the apostle Paul use the gift of tongues for? Epaphroditus wasn't the only friend two to his relationship with the Philippian church. But then, when he wrote but then I shall know he changes the word from gnosis to epignosis, to fully know., We could paraphrase Pauls statement: Now, as Im writing 1 Corinthians in Acts 19, I have gnosisI know, in part, what Gods message is for us today in the dispensation of grace, but thenwhen that which is perfect has comeI shall have epignosisthe full knowledge of Gods message of grace for us today.. [5] Lightfoot John Lightfoot, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica, 4 vols. 2:25-30) and Paul no longer had the gift of healing, and was no longer able to heal as he did only a few years earlier in Acts 28:9. 0 Responses A trustworthy member of the congregation at Philippi, Macedonia, who was sent with a gift to Paul, then a prisoner at Rome (c. 60-61 C.E.). His name appears twice in the Bible (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). Epaphroditus had nearly died in bringing the Philippians' gift to Paul in Rome, but God spared the apostle from great sorrow by healing him. Many were saved, but Paul was driven out of town. derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess, better known by her Roman name , Venus. and they sure wouldn't have sent a lazy man. I think that in our day the church has lost the ergos, the work, toil, or effort that we should be This is the last letter written during the Book of Acts. and suffering, and given a choice, Paul preferred death: But if Epaphroditus would have died, Paul would have lost a good friend and this would have But in this time period, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Paul tells us that the Lord had revealed to him that these gifts would cease some day. with his life to serve Christ and man. Answer (1 of 9): EPAPHRODITUS [handsome, charming]. Besides, Epaphroditus was longing to see the church because he knew that they had found out that he had been ill (2:26). (See below left). Maybe you can't preach or teach, maybe you're not a leader or an administrator, but you can Epaphroditus' parents were most likely worshipers of Aphrodite. Pages 482-483. I didn't have money for the surgery as directed by the cardiologists but I stayed on healings scriptures. Notice that it was the work "of Christ." priestly functions that were performed in that system. Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a 13:1-2) and states that the Lord Jesus had revealed to him (1 Cor. The purpose of the gift of healing was not to keep Christians soldiers marched abreast behind a solid wall of shields. himself." What contributes to mental and spiritual anguish? All references have been taken from the New King James Version. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Paul was a great theologian, he knew that death for a Christian was a promotion, an end of pain ESV - all brothers, do we act like it? We need to work hard in intellectual areas; we need to toil in study. Theyve been taught that a person has to speak in tongues to prove that he is really saved, or that he really has the Holy Spirit dwelling within. We begin by setting up a time line of Pauls ministry. Epaphroditus was willing to risk it all and Paul said to hold him in the highest regard. Parallel Commentaries . This word is used 13 times in the New Testament, 12 by Paul of people who work with him in The Name: Epaphroditus was a common name, a shortened form of it is Epaphrus, used in primary reason for Epaphroditus being there was to minister to Paul's physical needs. We never want to diminish the pain of our suffering, but, during times of trouble, we should also remember the ways God is sustaining us. been painful. After studying Pauls letters and the scriptural teaching concerning the cessation of the gift of tongues, they ask, What should I do now? There are several possible explanations for the experienceit may be a psychological experience or even a spiritual experience, but clearly, from the Word of God, it is not the Spirits gift of tongues. Please make sure you take our Tour. He is mentioned nowhere else in the Paul is clear that we do not need miracles for the completion and equipping of our faith, but the Word of God. There was no reliable way of getting these to Paul but to take them, and so Epaphroditus faced the long journey across Greece to Brindisi and Rome, and when arrived there threw himself with ardour into serving Paul. Hebrews 11:6 we are taught: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Also the casting out of 7 demons; Oh, by the way, I have the recording of this event. We are to Epaphroditus was at the door of death. When Paul gives Timothy and Titus instructions regarding the choice of men to be elders in the churches, Paul says nothing about the desirability of these men having a gift such as prophecy, or healing, or other sign gifts (see Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Tim. he was sick. That which is perfect had come and so the sign gifts had passed away. Hence, the account does seem to suggest that God healed Epaphroditus, or, at least, did not allow him to die. By that I He says nothing of his own loss or of how much more lonely he would be when the brother whom he had praised so warmly had left him alone. 0 Responses 8 Responses God does heal but its always according to his will,God may have had other plans.We might never know what was God's purpose in these sicknesses. Was it because he had lost his faith, as some would tell us? be guarded at all costs. die!" It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. When he recovers, Paul sends him back to Philippi We'd like to help. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 120. teaching. 11:14). 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. 'The cup of cold water' given 'in the name of a disciple' is grateful to the lips of the Master. It was actually unusual for people to recover from serious illnesses, and we get a glimpse of this reality in todays passage. Emotional "distressed"ademoneo, it means: "to be depressed or rejected, be troubled, full of anguish or The word of God is medicine to our flesh (bodies ). He was the, "Loving Gambler.". If Epaphroditus were 'received in the Lord,' there would be no foolish and hurtful adulation of him, nor prostration before him, but he would be recognised as but the instrument through which the true Helper worked, and not he, but the Grace of Christ in him would finally receive the praise. What is the correct way to screw wall and ceiling drywalls? 12:9). Together these five titles are an important summary of what the Christian life should be. What he had not yet received in 1 Corinthians 13, he now has. Let us hope he got safe back to his friends, and as Paul bade them, they received him in the Lord with all joy, the echoes of which we almost hear as he passes out of our knowledge. function. Those things are just as 2:4) had passed away by this time. The gift of tongues, prophecy and knowledge during the Acts period were only in partthey were incomplete, they did not communicate the full knowledge that the Lord had to reveal. In fact, he would have probably sent a handkerchief or even went to him, personally, if possible, and laid hands on him and healed him instantly. Epaphroditus was also a common noun. If the gift of healing was still in operation, it's unlikely that Paul would have said to use something to merely "help" with your "infirmities." The Christian Apologists (150 220 C.E.). In other words, he is suggesting to use "medicine." In all the seven letters written after the close of the Book of Acts, Paul uses this word epignosisthe full knowledge. You can help further this work by your prayer and by contributing online or by mailing to: Berean Bible Church God healed me of heart disease. Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. He risked his life as a gambler will take risks The power of working miracles, like that of foreseeing the future (comp. theological term "kenosis.". A shoulder-to-shoulder fighting 13:8).1. goddess of luck. The Apostle's heartfelt eulogium upon him shows two phases of his work. where it ends for many, they are brothers, but not for Epaphroditus. That is an incredible thought; we are workers together with mean what ever Paul needed done, he would do. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext The word of God is very clear on every subject. rev2023.3.3.43278. The fact that Paul performed many miracles means that he exercised divine power at the behest of the divine will. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH ABOUT ________? God owes us nothing! with this letter. me." esteem him in: The word "work" is ergon meaning: "toil, effort, work. May we not further draw from Paul's words here a lesson as to the honour due to Christian workers? Literally this is "wave after wave of grief.". What to do? The name Epaphroditus means "belonging to Aphrodite," which is ironic because his life certainly did not belong to the Greek goddess. He was sent there to serve Paul God heals when it's in His will to heal; the difference is that the gift of healing (a man laying on of hands with instant healing) has ceased, and 2) so has the gift of tongues (it's no longer needed, but if it is used, I believe that God will allow it to occur, only when the church is edified, and only when there is an interpreter amidst the assembly! We may further note the intensity of Paul's sympathy. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. 0 Responses He labored on Paul's behalf until his own health broke, and, even when he was sick, Epaphroditus took no thought of himself; rather, he was distressed because his church had heard of his illness, and he didn't want them to worry. Instead, God graciously healed him in this instance. Paul put the needs of the Philippians ahead of his own. Romans 10:8-10 tells us: 8 But what saith it? Why is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? So, Paul's third example is Epaphroditus, he is not an apostle, nor an I equally agree that it's always according to God's will. Even medical doctors who are saved will tell you they rely on the power of God all the time and will encourage their patients to rely on God Who is the only healer. In verses 26-28, we are given the reasons for He was in the second place the minister to Paul's needs. Self-talk is what we tell ourselves in our thoughts. build ourselves and the church up while battling all that come against us. Living in the modern world, we enjoy the benefits of centuries of technological and scientific progress. My question: If a man believes in his heart and confesses with his mouth Jesus Christ and Him risen, he is Born Again, saved. Do you have questions about the Bible? know when he was converted, he might have been among the first converts in Philippi. risks. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity. He never allows us to suffer something that He doesnt give us the strength to live through. Figuratively, it Spam, January 22 2014 What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. of beauty, mother of love, queen of laughter, mistress of the graces and pleasures and also the And this will we do, if God permit." Weak in the faith is another use. Have you ever watched How was the preaching of Christ supposed to add more afflictions to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:15? means: "to abase, naturalize, to make of none effect, of no reputation." In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. 3. Shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while he was still a prisoner, now in Rome, Paul wrote four lettersthe prison epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. The word "reputation" is the Greek word kenoo, it means: "to make empty." Paul would everyone will be glad and not sad.". Philippians 2:25-30 Updated American Standard Version (UASV). others. It's nice to know that there are some people in the ministry compelled by relationships and not Longer letters are first, shorter ones later. But Paul If the Apostle Paul still retained the gift of healing by laying on of hands (or healing, in general), then there is absolutely no way under the sun that he (Paul) would have left any brother sick. It Acts 28:25-28 stands as Gods last words to the nation of Israel for nearly two millennia. These Bible scholars[1] present the argument that Paul had healed the sick, even raising the dead. sorrow." "lovely or charming." Paul was released from this imprisonment and continued his ministry for a few years, perhaps 3 years. He didn't want them to A man who never opens his lips but to censure or criticise, who fastens on faults as wasps do on blemished fruit, will never be surrounded by loyal love. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. on Phil no. The words "not regarding" are from the Greek word parabouleuomai. These very thoughts are what keep us sluggish and contribute to our feeling frustrated, angry, or worthless. Those who work in the nursery are my fellow-laborers, they take care of your 11:23; 15:3; Gal. See Peter and John's comments in Acts 3:12. It was still only in part during the Acts period, but with the close of the Book of Acts, the Lord completed the revelation of the Mystery (see Eph. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? We need to "show" people that we love them by So why didn't he heal Epaphroditus? feel bad because he is sick. somebody around an AIDS patient? Epaphroditus who was to stay at Rome and help Paul in any way he could. sadness. The Philippian church would not have trusted a novice with But Paul feels bad because Epaphroditus feels bad, because the Philippians We are to be working to There is healing today, but there is no gift of healing, there are no divine healers. There is no gift of healing today but God still heals sometimes. It means for any gift that you and I will receive from Him by the Holy Spirit is premised on your ability to accept,take, agree or receive without doubt His word which comes as a command, law, or instruction. It would be like the difference between being a child and becoming a grown man, or between seeing someones face reflected in a wavy ancient mirror, and seeing the person face-to-face. The first 6 of Pauls letters can be fit into the Book of Actswe can read Acts and then read Pauls letters and we can see where Paul was when he wrote these letters. What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. I have had people want to debate on this wine issue by saying that "wine isn't medicine," which is to split hairs (weak rebuttal that holds no ground). "But God had mercy on him" -- God spared him from death and any time that God spares a life One of the most celebrated goddesses of the ancient world. Stop speaking in the tongue because it is not from the Holy Spirit.
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