Yield: Epaphro-who? | Convene For The Cities

Who is YOUR Epaphroditus?

Yes. I know you have at least one. Hear me out.

The Apostle Paul is a very unique person in the Bible. Having said that, he was still an ordinary man – just like you and me. And as such, he had the same physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs as we do. He needed help. He needed some helpers.

Paul also made plans . . . that God interrupted. More than once. (Sound familiar?)

Early on in his ministry, Paul planned to take the Gospel to Asia. But God interrupted. Paul received a vision – “The Macedonian Call” – a vision of a Macedonia man pleading “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9). Macedonia is modern-day Greece. This begins the entrance of the Gospel into Europe. Philippi is the first church started in Europe, and as such, Paul naturally has a particular affection for this early church.

Paul first enters Philippi in Acts 16. This was when the jail bars broke, but no one left. Paul and Silas were singing praises at midnight while leading prisoners to the Lord. And apparently that was going well because not one of those prisoners left when the jail bars opened! Then subsequently they led the jailor and his entire family to Jesus. What an amazing story!

Throughout much of Paul’s ministry, he talks about a goal of going to Rome. I don’t think he thought “prison” would be a part of that plan, but as often happens, our “picture” differs from God’s plan. Paul does end up in Rome, but he is chained 24/7 to a Roman guard. Many scholars think Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians about the time Nero was tossing Christians into the lions and lighting them on fire for his dinner parties.

While Paul is in chains in Rome, the Philippian church sends Epaphroditus with financial support. But then Epaphroditus does something quite amazing. Instead of "getting out of town" and hurrying back home where it's safer, Epaphroditus STAYS and helps continue the work of the gospel. And once again, Paul gets major converts while he is in prison. Look at these verses from Philippians:

1:13: As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard [or “whole palace”] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

4:22: All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Later, after recovering from a serious illness where he almost died, Epaphroditus decides to go back home to Philippi and Paul sends him with his most encouraging letter to the believers there . . . our “Book” of Philippians. It’s amazing to see what God does in the midst of trials, confinement, & chains. I mean, Wow – just really WOW!

And I think there’s a lesson here for me: What are the chains in my life? Am I living with those chains in such a way that I am pointing people to Jesus because of His joy and peace in my life?

4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Rejoice, Paul says:

When someone selfishly tries to steal the limelight from you.
When you meet persecution for your faith.
When you are facing death.

And I can add, Rejoice:

When you’ve run out of savings.
When you don’t have a job.
When there are ants congregating in your pantry.
When you have a new computer program to figure out.
When you have the flu.
When someone cuts you off in traffic.
When the dog throws up on the carpet.
When you’re waaaaaaiting at the DMV.
When the kids are screaming.

Rejoice!

So who needs to hear your rejoicing? Well, everyone! But maybe for today, let's concentrate on YOUR Epaphroditus – that person God sent you at just the right time – that person . . .

that prayed for you,
that cried with you,
that encouraged you,
that provided for you,
that made you laugh when you thought you could never smile again,
that stuck around when others left.

They are God’s messengers. Your “Epaphroditus” is proof of God’s perfect, all-encompassing, never-ending love for you. And is there any better reason to REJOICE than that?

I have multiple "Epaphrodituses" that I can pinpoint in my life. I bet you do, too. Let’s take some time this week to tell them “Thank you”. Thank you for being used by God. Even if you’ve thanked them in the past – send them a card or a note or give them a call, reminding them of the blessing they are in your life. Let us never forget the Epaphrodituses in our lives. And let us raise a Hallelujah and Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!

For more study, check out Acts 16, and listen to "Raise a Hallelujah" by Bethel Music.

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