Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus was the emissary sent by the church at Philippi to deliver their financial gift to Paul in prison and to serve his needs. His name, meaning charming or devoted to Aphrodite, reflects his Gentile background, though he had become a devoted servant of Christ. Paul calls him brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier—a triad of increasingly intense relationship—and honors him as the Philippians' messenger and minister to his need.

During his time with Paul, Epaphroditus fell gravely ill, to the point of near death, causing deep concern both to the apostle and to the Philippians when word reached them. God had mercy on him and restored his health, and Paul sent him back to Philippi with the letter, urging the church to receive him with joy and hold him in honor because he had risked his life in service to Christ. The episode illustrates the real dangers of travel and ministry in the first-century world, and Epaphroditus's self-sacrificing service is held up as an example of the Philippian partnership in the gospel.