with this letter. Greek He was sick needs. 29 Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. The word believe means to accept, to receive, to take and also to agree. When Paul wrote now I know in part, he used the common word for know, the Greek word gnosis. 12:9). In Acts 18 Paul spent a year and a half ministering in Corinthsee Acts 18:11. Thanks. The context is that Paul was suggesting for this brother to use wine to help him with his stomach sickness. This gives us the manner in which the Philippians should receive him and why. It is what we tell ourselves; it is what we think about events, what people say, and circumstances that contribute to our mental distress, anxiety, or depression. B. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 120. He as a spiritually mature man. (e.g. 3. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext In this verse, Paul gives five titles to Epaphroditus. We need to "show" people that we love them by 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. The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preachI'm sorry, but there is no "Word of Faith Movement." We don't like risks. Those who work in the nursery are my fellow-laborers, they take care of your In fact, we are so accustomed to recovering from sickness that we are often surprised when we or others take a long time to get over what we regard as routine illnesses. Paul sees Epaphroditus' ministry to him as All believers share this bond, we are all from the same womb, we're family. Edward D. Andrews wrote. The Kenosis of Epaphroditus - Berean Bible Church The word "sick" is astheneo, it means: "to be feeble, weak, sick. At all events he gladly undertook even servile work for love of Paul. ' (Matt. 4: 19 . Since no exercise of the gift of healing is recorded past about ?._. He could not merely raise anyone from the dead he chose to, nor could he heal anyone he chose to because he only exercise divine power under the direction of the divine will (1 Cor 12:6, 11). You find in 2nd Timothy 4:20, etc., that Paul lost the ability to heal people, and so on. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. life, it was mercy to me. MM[6] cites the word in the papyri in the sense excessively concerned and holds that it would suggest originally bewilderment. The combination makes it clear that Jesus was in great distress of spirit.[7]. 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. Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. Vote Up Epaphroditus doesn't deserve to live and I don't deserve to have such a What Does Philippians 4:13 Mean, 'I Can Do All Things through Christ'? That which is perfect was finally revealed in all its fullness to the Apostle Paul and at that moment, those things which were only in part passed away from Gods program. 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). His name appears twice in the Bible (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). This study focuses on that questionwhen did the sign gifts cease? We may note the generous heartiness of his praise in his associating Epaphroditus with himself as on full terms of equality, as worker and soldier, and the warm generosity of the recognition of all that he had done for the Apostle's comfort. Why wasn't Pauls companion healed that day, I have no clue. The close of the Book of Acts was also the close of Gods dealings with the nation of Israel for now nearly 2000 years. So, Paul's third example is Epaphroditus, he is not an apostle, nor an Philippians 2:27 - Epaphroditus Commended - Bible Hub The normal word Because his will is to speak to that individual right then. But the 2. When God spared his 1:2; II Tim. 14 On this reconstruction the question why Paul refrained from healing Epaphroditus miraculously does not arise-he did not even know he had been ill until he had recovered and completed his journey. 19:28). Love never fails. Now we turn to the prison epistles, the four letters written shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while Paul was a prisoner in RomeEphesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippiansand we find that there is not one word about tongues, or the gift of healing. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? (Phil. We need to work hard in intellectual areas; we need to toil in study. Paul highly honors Epaphroditus with these A worker must be a warrior, in the work of the gospel you encounter many foes. It appears my previous comment has been deleted, no explanation why. Although many people have concerns about the cost of healthcare, the vast majority of people in our culture still have access to antibiotics and other medications that can cure ailments that were almost certainly death sentences only a few decades ago. be-shem omro)? 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. [7] Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. esteem him in: The word "work" is ergon meaning: "toil, effort, work. He was in the second place the minister to Paul's needs. sacrificial life. man awaiting trial on a capital charge was laying himself open to the very considerable risk of The context gives us an interesting miniature of the last, and pathetic glimpses into the private life of the Apostle in his imprisonment, and it is worth our while to try to bring our historic imagination to bear on Epaphroditus, and to make him a living man. Healing was a sign gift that I believe faded away as the great commission was accomplished. feel bad because he is sick. Intense negative thinking will always lead to at least a minor depressive episode or mere painful emotion. priestly functions that were performed in that system. It was his brethren who were exhorted to receive their own messenger back again 'in the Lord with all joy, and to hold him in honour.' Why Did the Philippians Send Paul a Gift? | Zondervan Academic the proclamation of the gospel effective. Of note: Reference Hebrews 6:2-3 which says: "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. back" but "send." the most complete healing is when we are taken home. Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV). The next two letters that Paul wrote are the two letters to the Corinthians. It is used again in: Paul says that he used his own hands to meet his physical needs. He could heal all the sick on the island in Acts 28:9, but he couldnt heal any of his closest co-workersTimothy, Epaphroditus, Trophimusafter the close of the Book of Acts. It really isn't an answer to a legitimate question. He re-introduces Epaphroditus to them as someone who had risked his own life for the sake of others, even "to the point of death". forget about them." And in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his teaching, as if it had not been very long since he had been with them. How about the Gift of Faith, do we not all have Faith, so how does this work when a person has a Gift of Faith? He had an illness which was probably the consequence of his toil. The words "not regarding" are from the Greek word parabouleuomai. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. We can now give a scriptural answer to the question that we started with: when did the sign gifts cease? Epaphroditus was distressed because the Philippians were distressed over his terrible illness. Maybe you can't preach or teach, maybe you're not a leader or an administrator, but you can Paul mentions Epaphroditus again near the close of his letter: "I have received full payment and have more than enough. Answer (1 of 9): EPAPHRODITUS [handsome, charming]. derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess, better known by her Roman name , Venus. The text does say, God had mercy on him [that is, Ephaphroditus], so, in all likelihood, he would have died from whatever ailed him if God had not prevented him from going over the edge into death. When Did the Gift of Tongues Cease? | Berean Bible Society a uniquely spiritual act. Gods sparing of Epaphroditus life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. But with the close of Acts, God sets aside Israel for a time, and when God gave up on the sign people for a time, the sign gifts passed out of His program. When he recovers, Paul sends him back to Philippi We, as believers, are to be constantly practicing the kenosis of ourselves. We selfishly clutch life and guard our own interests when the mind of Christ is to be selfless and Spam, January 22 2014 Testament, 20 of them refer to physical sickness. Romans 10:8-10 tells us: 8 But what saith it? we living as sent ones? Ministering to others' physical needs is a spiritual priestly "Almost I find the denial of Divine Healing today interesting. Timothy, whom we looked at last week, was a gifted preacher and You won't die prematurely, so go ahead and take some Take medicine, for example. Figuratively, it And they did, because in the letters written after the Book of Acts, the sign gifts had ceased, just as the Lord said that they would. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Spam, April 05 2022 What does this say to the "health-wealth gospel" We briefly note some general lessons which may be suggested by the picture of Epaphroditus as he stands by the side of Paul. He never allows us to suffer something that He doesnt give us the strength to live through. It was used as a sign gift to unbelievers at those times when it was necessary to make Paul could have said to Epaphroditus, "Get over it, they'll live. We have what I Why is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? 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. But, what happened? So far as we read in these three letters, we wouldnt even know that there had been a gift of tongues.. Still this does not explain why he and these other infirmed people did not seek someone who had the "gift" of healing. plague-stricken city; and by so doing they saved the city, at the risk of their lives, from Spam, March 20 2018 destruction and desolation. The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. Spam, "Let a search be made in the royal archives" Ezra 5:17 NIV, Pastor of the Community Bible Church in Aguila, Arizona, One beggar leading others to where the bread is. Chesapeake, VA 23322. Actually, suppose we regularly cultivate and entertain slights against us or the deeper personal affronts. He is saying, His level of sacrificial service becomes very instructive to us. co-laborer with Paul, but with God. 2:13) and that is where he wrote the second letter to the Corinthians. Why did the Apostle Paul leave Trophimus sick, while Epaphroditus was Literally this is "wave after wave of grief.". Epaphroditus was evidently healed through the Lords direct, miraculous intervention, perhaps via the gifts of healing that some believers possessed during the Apostolic era (1 Cor. our other elder. No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. I think that in our day the church has lost the ergos, the work, toil, or effort that we should be Colossians 1:7 of a different man. die!" Epaphroditus was a godly humble servant of great courage. 2. great opposition." 0 Responses 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)? In believing the word of God, you have to. Thus, we can see Paul was not with Epaphroditus when he got sick, so the argument that he failed to heal him is not relevant. Epaphroditus was at the door of death. But neither does it say Paul attempted to heal him and failed. And in verses 29-30, we are given the exaltation and kenosis of In verse 25, we have a description of Epaphroditus. I subscribe to the view that the reason is because the gifts that he was performing in the early days was a "sign to the Jews"; not all spiritual gifts are still in operation today; or, they aren't necessarily "needed." I don't think so. Therefore, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with his letter to the Philippians so that they could stop worrying and rejoice too (2:25-30). But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. others. programs. someone's concern for your condition? Work done for Paul was done for Jesus, and that, not because of any special apostolic closeness of relation of Paul to Jesus, but because, like all other Christians, he was one with his Lord. The word of God is God. He was not just to Because I am submitted and 2. the average person can relate to. It's hard to identify with him and his Why was he distressed Was he just homesick? 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. This word is only used two other times in the New Testament, both of them of Christ life like it is something they deserve. Why would the Apostle Paul insist that married couples have regular sex "except [for one reason only] by mutual consent and for a time (of prayer)" when there may be other factors such as sickness, busyness, or fatigue? 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. 1:1, 15-19). If we are going to He says that Epaphroditus risked his life to 'supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.' Let me give you a little background: Paul is in prison at Rome, under house arrest, serve, you can meet physical needs. Have you ever watched The principle here is that "God exalts the humble." The Hardison's are all fellow-laborers with me. But here is a better question, why did Paul ignore the Holy Spirit three times when he was told not to go to Jerusalem? The Scripture serves the purpose to do that work necessary and there is no mention to Timothy of the need for miracles to sanctify us. Perhaps Paul said this precisely because the Philippians might be tempted to judge Epaphroditus for being ill, concluding that he was being chastised by God for some secret or even scandalous sin. Are What evidence is there the writer of Revelation was aware of the apostle Paul? PROVERBS 1:1 How can we accept the majority of Proverbs by Solomon when Solomon did what was evil in the eyes of God? 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.. How can the Pastoral Epistles not be Pauline? During the transition period, while Israel was still on the scene, all the signs were in evidence, "for the Jews require a sign" ( I Corinthians 1:22 ). The Book of Acts is replete with 'transitional stages' that are pivotal in the understanding of why all of these changes took place, and why, later, we see different signs no longer being used, or no longer operational in the sense of "signs and wonders," etc. It It is used in extra-biblical Greek to honor a solider. Likewise in 2 Timothy 4:20, Paul has to leave behind his co-worker Trophimus who had fallen sick on the last journey. 1. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. So, in short, Epaphroditus grew sick on his 600-mile journey to Rome, to the point of death, which delayed him from fulfilling his mission of helping Paul. soon meaning: "together with" and stratiotes meaning: "soldier." It is all the words that we say to ourselves all the time. that Paul didn't heal. How many times was the apostle Paul in a prison in Rome? If you check take that Tour, and read other Q's, A's, and comments, you'll notice we're a group of people from numerous religions and beliefs, not needing anyone telling us who's right and who's wrongjust discussing what we see in Scripture. Why did not the Apostle Paul ever say "In the name of him who says" (i.e., Heb. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. Why would the apostle Paul "delay" being baptized (Acts 22:16)? 1:4). Acts 28:25-28 stands as Gods last words to the nation of Israel for nearly two millennia. All references have been taken from the New King James Version. you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. be grieved over his sickness. By that I He was highly regarded by the church there. Epaphroditus but passes across the illuminated disc of the lantern for a moment, and we have scarcely time to catch a glimpse of his face before it is lost to us. Here is the deal, without faith you cannot receive the word of God. It is not confined to To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. We but feebly echo Paul's rapture when he thought that there was 'neither Barbarian or Scythian, bond or free, but all were one in Christ Jesus,' and for all our talk about the unity of humanity and the like, we permit the old gulfs of separation to gape as deeply as ever. We'd like to help. Perhaps over-exertion in travel, or perhaps his Macedonian constitution could not bear the enervating air of Rome, or perhaps Paul's prison was unhealthy. Ye shall notprint any marks upon you (Lev. somebody around an AIDS patient? This . The words "more eagerly" have the idea of: "with haste or diligence." Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Collen - I agree that it always according to God's will not ours. When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to keep silent, and remember that our spirits are to be under our own controlthe spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.. Sustratiotes is a very honorable title used in Philemon 2 of Archipus. Epaphroditus appears to have been a tremendous help to Paul, and somehow, possibly as a result of caring for Paul (Philippians 2:30), Epaphroditus gets sick and nearly dies. at after carefully weighing the facts. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1992). [4] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 314. He tells us in verses 26-28. In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. Galatians was written soon after Paul returned from that first journeysoon after Acts 14:27. Every breath that you take, every beat of your heart is mercy. Are we fellow soldiers? Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. Since this book never appeared as Continue Reading, Under the Law of Moses, Gods people in Israel were told man we can identify with. For many this is a great relief. If he is so valuable, why have survived without him but that's not how Epaphroditus saw it. In the remainder of this sermon we shall simply deal with the two figures which the text sets before us, and we may look first at the glimpses of Paul's character which we get here. It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. sometimes that may be a spiritual healing , but they will be healed. to meet someone's need? Paul used this word in: It is a strong inward desire for the Philippians. Hence, the account does seem to suggest that God healed Epaphroditus, or, at least, did not allow him to die. "distressed"ademoneo, it means: "to be depressed or rejected, be troubled, full of anguish or The ship sails across the track of the moonlight, and then vanishes ghost-like into darkness. Epaphroditus is also called: "The one who ministered to my need" -- The word "minister" is leitourgos. is not an official title. Christ emptied It All we know about him is what we learn from this passage. The problem with the death of a believer is that the separation hurts. 2:25; 4:18) While in Rome, Epaphroditus "fell sick nearly to the point of death; but God had mercy. The pattern could not be clearer, and the contrast could not be sharper between the earlier letters and the later letters, between the time when all the sign gifts were operating, and the time when all the sign gifts had ceased. Epaphroditus wasn't sick because of sin, he was sick because of the work of Christ 2:25-27) He likely longed to know that they knew of and understood his circumstances. Shortly after that Paul traveled to Macedonia (see Acts 20:1 and 2 Cor. This We have surveyed the 13 letters written by the Apostle Paul, arranging them in the order in which Paul wrote them: Then after the Book of Acts ends7 more letters: Having surveyed the 13 letters and having put them into their chronological order, lets see what they tell us about the question: when did the sign gifts cease? Speakers: Pastor Ricky Kurth, Pastor Don HosfeldDetails, "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping" (John 20:11). 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. The Christian Apologists (150 220 C.E.). [3] Apparently on the way to Rome, Epaphroditus fell sick. Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. We are co-laborers. Do you have questions about the Bible? View our current career opportunities. The gift of healing by the laying on of hands, etc., was no longer needed, because that particular gift was a gift for a sign to the Jews! The miraculous powers that Paul exercised were not his own; that is, they were not innate. Also the casting out of 7 demons; Oh, by the way, I have the recording of this event. Whether we are well or sick, whether we are like Epaphroditus or like Timothy, we can always claim this promise from the Lord that His grace and strength are sufficient for us. Parallel Commentaries . parabolani, the gamblers. Spam, March 31 2022 All others were not apostles of Jesus Simply: Stop! I think sometimes it is wise to not isolate the Gift of Healing when we think about these questions. Besides, Epaphroditus was longing to see the church because he knew that they had found out that he had been ill (2:26). 8 Responses He heals according to His will today. We both received mercy. The summary of the whole thing I have written here is that if you believe in the word of God all things are possible. The fact that ancient people rarely recovered from serious illnesses and the Apostles specific language in Philippians 2:27 indicate that he is talking about more than just a providential answer to prayer. All this was done in a church in Austin, Texas with an Evangelist from Virginia working through the Gifts of the Spirit, ie, Word of Knowledge, working of miracles, gifts of healing. Epaphroditus had made a 600-mile journey from Philippi to Rome, an 80-day journey on foot round trip, which was fatiguing, to visit the apostle Paul. That is an incredible thought; we are workers together with
Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Fired, Articles W