Profiles in Partnership: Epaphroditus | Resources
Discussion Questions
What from our text or sermon this week made an impact on you? Why?
What is humility? How would you define it? How would you describe it?
In what ways does Epaphroditus’ life show us how to put others’ interests above our own?
What would it look like for you to adopt Epaphroditus’ approach to life and ministry in your own life and ministry?
Would you be willing to risk your life for the sake of Christ? Is your life too comfortable?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus — my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need.” Philippians 2:25 (CSB)
Devotional: Historical Narrative
The sun glared from a cloudless sky. Men and women in earth-colored robes walked along the nearby road while soldiers on handsome horses galloped past. Not far off, a frail traveler rested beside a packed, wooden cart. Fading in and out of consciousness, the weary man did his best to keep his eyes fixed on Via Egnatia. “No, that’s not right. We had been at sea not long ago, hadn’t we? This is Via Appia. The Appian Way.”
Rome was close.
“I saw the city!” He recognized that voice. Must’ve dozed off. His eyes readjusted to the relentless daylight as the young man ran toward him. “We should arrive before dusk!” Despite the pain shooting from behind his eyes, he broke into a smile. “Glory to the Father.”
“Indeed! I came back as fast as I could. I prayed for your healing and strength all the while. Has the Lord had mercy on His child?”
“The Lord is always great in mercy. He is my strength.”
“Yes, but your smile. I hoped it was a sign of glad tiding, that you had been healed.”
It was all he could do to keep his friend’s worries at bay. “Two months of travel with you, brother, and even the sight of grumpy, Roman soldiers brings great joy!”
His companion chuckled and helped him up. “Then great joy awaits.”
“Brother Paul…” He heaved the words from pale, cracked lips. “Timothy!” Another deep breath. He winced. Fire filled his lungs. “I come bearing gifts from—” Thump. A whisper of dust filled the room. He’d become so frail in his illness, the collapse barely made a sound.
“Epaphroditus!”
In Philippians 2, Paul describes Epaphroditus as his brother, co-worker, fellow soldier, a messenger, and a minister to his needs. To learn more, conduct a word study on one of these descriptions, keeping the relationship between Epaphroditus, Paul, and his home church of Philippi in mind.