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Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus is a figure in early Christian writings, associated with the church at Philippi and the Apostle Paul. He is named in the New Testament, specifically in Philippians 2:25–30, as the Philippian church’s messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. The passage identifies him as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier who was sent to Rome to deliver the Philippian gift and to assist Paul during his imprisonment.

According to the text, Epaphroditus became seriously ill while carrying out this service and nearly died. Paul

Name and etymology: Epaphroditus is a Greek name derived from Epaphroditos, a name associated with Aphrodite.

Legacy and identification: Outside the New Testament, information about Epaphroditus is limited. Some later Christian traditions

notes
that
God
had
mercy
on
him
and
that
Epaphroditus
recovered.
After
his
recovery,
Paul
chose
to
send
Epaphroditus
back
to
Philippi
with
this
letter,
to
reassure
the
believers
there
and
to
report
on
his
condition.
The
letter
emphasizes
that
Epaphroditus
had
risked
his
life
for
the
work
of
Christ
by
serving
Paul’s
needs.
The
exact
connotations
of
the
name
in
antiquity
are
uncertain,
but
it
reflects
common
Greek
naming
practices
of
the
period.
ascribe
various
leadership
roles
to
him,
but
these
attributions
are
not
well
attested
in
early
sources.
In
scholarly
and
patristic
contexts,
Epaphroditus
is
typically
viewed
as
a
supportive
figure
who
illustrates
the
Philippian
church’s
generosity
and
the
network
of
aid
surrounding
Paul
during
imprisonment.