Epaphroditus,
Model of Selflessness
One reads of our title character only in the New Testament book of
Philippians. Though only seven verses speak of the man, there is much to
be gained by noting his example.
Epaphroditus was a member of the church at Philippi who had been chosen
as the church’s “messenger” to bear “aid” for Paul’s “necessities,” as
the apostle
awaited trial in Rome (4:16-18). Paul sums up with these words the
attitude of Epaphroditus towards the Lord’s work: “...because for the
work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply
what was lacking in your service to me” (2:30). Epaphroditus was a
selfless individual.
But what seems to especially proclaim the selflessness of this man is a
statement made in the 26th verse of chapter 2 -- that while he lay
deathly ill in Rome, he “was longing for” the church at Philippi, “and
was distressed because” they “had heard that he was sick.” Think on that
for a moment.
What goes through our minds when tragedy strikes our own lives?
Financial hardship is felt... A devastating disease cripples our body...
And about who or what are we thinking? Or perhaps things are not quite so
tragic. We didn’t get that bonus we desired... or things aren’t going at
work as we wished... or that fellow-member didn’t invite me over for
dinner last week... or...
The truth is, too many of us get so wrapped up in our own little world
(and how the world affects us) that we think little or none about how
our world might affect our brethren -- or, for that matter, how the
world in general is affecting them. (Be objective: how much care have
you shown recently toward those who really are afflicted? For those who
have lost a parent? For those who for some reason or another must deal with
the hardship of raising a child without the help of their spouse? For
those who are widows or fatherless? James 1:27). Are we able to take our
eyes off ourselves for just a few moments to notice the genuine cares of
others about us? Such was the spirit of Epaphroditus. His only concern
as he lay on his deathbed was as to what effect his illness -- the
hearing of it -- would have on the Philippian brethren.
In this Epaphroditus proved to be a true follower of Jesus. Paul had
previously said, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or
conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than
himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but
also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also
in Christ Jesus...” (2:3-5). This humble “messenger” had such a “mind.”
There are too many of God’s children today who “seek their own”
interests and welfare (2:20). The Lord’s cause sorely needs more men and
women to imitate the example of self-denial as seen in Epaphroditus.
--Mike Noble
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