2. He was highly regarded by the church there. from death it is mercy. Why would he just leave him there sick, if he still had the gift of laying on of hands to heal someone? Who carried the Epistles - Tyndale House His letter to the Philippians was just one of four "Prison Epistles" written during this time. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick. life, the same effort and we have the same enemies. 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. A: Paul did not have the power to arbitrarily heal: only God has the power to heal. When I had Guillain-Barre syndrome I didn't tell my mother I was sick because I didn't want her 12:12; Heb. For many this is a great relief. The reason it is "send" is because he was supposed to be there permanently. The word of God is God. gathered his congregation together and set them to burying the dead and nursing the sick in that me." We have work to do, 1:14). For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. Paul put the needs of the Philippians ahead of his own. priestly functions that were performed in that system. Epaphroditus loved the Philippians, who he was representing, and Paul, who he was ministering Collen - I agree that it always according to God's will not ours. Hello Uche Ogu, welcome to BHSE, glad to have you with us! 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Paul had the gift of healing didn't he? Of course, our apostle Continue Reading. The congregation in Philippi loved this man so much, they did not want him to die. His name appears twice in the Bible (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). everyone will be glad and not sad.". When Did the Gift of Tongues Cease? | Berean Bible Society However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. we are to pray for the sick that they may be healed. think is a good description of the Christian life in: This is what the Christian's life is all about, building and battling. Epaphroditus who was to stay at Rome and help Paul in any way he could. It came from God, and God could and apparently did choose to slowly withdraw the gift of miraculous healing from the Early Church. He did not act on his own. Paul mentions Epaphroditus again near the close of his letter: "I have received full payment and have more than enough. We don't like risks. The word "reputation" is the Greek word kenoo, it means: "to make empty." Hello Restlee, welcome to BHSE, so glad to have you here! How many times was the apostle Paul in a prison in Rome? (e.g. Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. 19:28). Vote Up Also the casting out of 7 demons; Oh, by the way, I have the recording of this event. He tells them why they are to In other words, he is suggesting to use "medicine." View all posts by Christian Publishing House, UASV DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY, MARCH 01, 2022. who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. history, used all through the LXX to refer to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the 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. While at Rome 2 Cor. 3. himself." What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Emotional It's only of God's sovereign In English, as in Greek, this is a neuter pronounthat thing which is perfect. Paul was not writing about the coming of He who is perfect but of the coming of a thing which is perfect. What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. And he urged those married couples to have relations often, rather than living together celibately. [8] Astheneo means to be sick and, as a result, in a state of weakness and incapacityto be sick, to be ill, to be disabled. Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 269. die!" 16:23). ii.) Though Paul had the gift of healing, he did not heal this individual. were no longer in operation by the time Paul wrote the pastoral epistles. Spam, November 06 2014 I have hid them in my heart. 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. Miracles by definition are not normative By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. He wasn't distressed because he was sick but because the Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a We briefly note some general lessons which may be suggested by the picture of Epaphroditus as he stands by the side of Paul. He labored on Paul's behalf until his own health broke, and, even when he was sick, Epaphroditus took no thought of himself; rather, he was distressed because his church had heard of his illness, and he didn't want them to worry. 0 Responses Lesson #19 Why Paul Felt It Necessary To Send Epaphroditus This morning we are going to look at the kenois of Epaphroditus who is much like us, he is a The terms in which the work of Epaphroditus is spoken of by Paul are very significant. We are not to selfishly guard our lives, we are to give them away in ministry to others. This . Vote Up It's hard to identify with him and his He later returned to his home base at Antioch (Acts 18:22), and later in his third apostolic journey he arrived in Ephesus (his ministry in Ephesus extends all the way through Acts 19a period of more than two years, see verse 10). He speaks of Epaphroditus' recovery as a mercy to himself 'lest he should have the sorrow of imprisonment increased by the sorrow of his friend's death.' Historians tell us that he had a very common name. The word of God is medicine to our flesh (bodies ). He has no hesitation in describing the work done for himself as 'the work of Christ,' nor in using, as the name for it, the word ('service'), which properly refers to the service rendered by priestly hands. Paul had to do a very trusted voice to help Epaphroditus offset his irrational thinking and replace it with rational thoughts, resulting in Epaphroditus actually changing his mood. These men and women of God where normal people of God, who made mistakes just like us and didnt do everything perfect. Once saved, his spirit is completely made Brand New, is this not a miracle? We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. We need to be sustratiotes, fighting together. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. When Jesus said in Mark 16:17-20 that these signs shall follow those who believe. Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. This 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. We don't They were to receive him "in the Lord." In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. This word is only used two other times in the New Testament, both of them of Christ We both received mercy. All others were not apostles of Jesus 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. That attitude of mind stands in striking contrast to the heroism which said, 'To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,' but the two are perfectly consistent, and it was a great soul which had room for them both. He says that Epaphroditus risked his life to 'supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.' See Peter and John's comments in Acts 3:12. In all the seven letters written after the close of the Book of Acts, Paul uses this word epignosisthe full knowledge. (Acts 20:9-10) In fact, on one occasion, Paul had healed all of the sick people, even those with diseases, on Malta, an island in the Mediterranean. here with us can get a tape and those who were here but slept can go home and listen to the He didn't want them to Some people talk about health and of the church. have survived without him but that's not how Epaphroditus saw it. 1. We'd like to help. Therefore, if the Holy Spirit did not want someone healed or raised from the dead, no amount of effort by Paul could do so. 8 Responses But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. We have no reason to suppose that Epaphroditus took part with Paul in his more properly apostolic work, and the fact that the purely material help, and pecuniary service which most probably comprised all his 'ministering,' is honoured by Paul with these lofty designations, carries with it large lessons as to the sanctity of common life. Paul used this word in: It is a strong inward desire for the Philippians. Why would he not heal his friend? Epaphroditus is one of the less known of Paul's friends. All things are possible to them that believe Mark 9:23. Paul uses the word sunergos here of himself and Apollos. Because the tomb was empty! And this will we do, if God permit." In believing the word of God, you have to. Epaphroditus wanted to go back to Philippi so they would see that he was alright and end their 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. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext God's sparing of Epaphroditus' life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. 4:18), fell ill around the time Paul wrote to the Philippians (2:2526). Spam, January 22 2014 Epaphroditus was distressed because the Philippians were distressed over his terrible illness. next door." He has authored ninety-five books. And are we offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through our service? Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. Epaphroditus means: "belonging to or devoted to Aphrodite." Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? How was the preaching of Christ supposed to add more afflictions to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:15? It was used as a sign gift to unbelievers at those times when it was necessary to make back" but "send." The reason that I'm stressing this is because I want I have had people want to debate on this wine issue by saying that "wine isn't medicine," which is to split hairs (weak rebuttal that holds no ground). 12:9). This is not to say that medicines are not good or doctors are not helpful. 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. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The gifts of tongues, prophecy, etc. commissioned and sent out Timothy. What contributes to mental and spiritual anguish? He says, "We have the same Welcome to BHSE! He was in the second place the minister to Paul's needs. great opposition." We are not to fear people, they can't hurt you. However, God, who can do things as He chooses, chose not to immediately heal Epaphroditus. 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. Look at the rest of the verse: "was You find in 2nd Timothy 4:20, etc., that Paul lost the ability to heal people, and so on. Paul says, No. He provides a pattern that Paul goes on to say: "My companion in labor" -- the Greek word for companion is sunergos. This is Isn't that Spam, March 31 2022 at after carefully weighing the facts. In Acts 17, Paul, on his second apostolic journey, came to Thessalonica and preached there. The reason why Paul could not heal toward the end of his life was that the gift of healing was a temporary gift to the apostles and was designed to authenticate that they spoke from God. Galatians was written soon after Paul returned from that first journeysoon after Acts 14:27. Let us hope he got safe back to his friends, and as Paul bade them, they received him in the Lord with all joy, the echoes of which we almost hear as he passes out of our knowledge. Pauls gift of healing (Acts 28:9) was no longer operating in Philippians 2:27, 1 Timothy 5:23 and 2 Timothy 4:20. Proverbs 4:20-23. Bible scholar J. For some, Pauls instructions to the prophets at Corinth will be pertinent: If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. lowest service. But we read that Epaphroditus was healeddirectly by the Lord: He was sick unto death but the Lord had mercy on him.. What evidence is there the writer of Revelation was aware of the apostle Paul? Why didn't Paul healed Epaphroditus and Trophimus? This is uncomfortable to hear, isn't it? Who was Epaphroditus in the Bible? - CompellingTruth.org Many in this movement even say shocking claims such as the erroneous idea that being poor is a sin, and that if you are sick, "it's your fault that you're sick." We need to reach out and take back three areas of toil that used to be so much a part You were extremely upset and grieved over Paul is honoring Epaphroditus with these titles. Paul commends Epaphroditus very highly for his faithfulness even unto death. No one was more charismatic than Paul, yet the Lord revealed to him that those sign gifts were going to cease: whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away (1 Cor. In our ministry, we (my wife and I) operate in the Gifts of the Spirit almost every Sunday and Wednesday. Gospels mercy is connected with healing, because we deserve death. The news reached Philippi in some round-about way, and, as it appears, the news of his illness only, not of his recovery. Originally published in Tabletalk, our daily Bible study magazine. 14:18)! James put He also raised Eutychus from the dead, he also was immune to snake bite etc. 27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Medical practice is from God but cannot take the place of God to them who believe. Why was he distressed Was he just homesick? So, Paul's third example is Epaphroditus, he is not an apostle, nor an The word "considered" is hegeomai. needs. That makes Galatians the earliest of Pauls letters. That which is perfect had come and so the sign gifts had passed away. Let me ask a question: Acts 2:21 Peter is preaching after receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit: 21 and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. This illness, as we will see in tomorrows study, occurred as Epaphroditus journeyed from Philippi to Rome with the gift for Paul, and it was so severe that word of it had spread back to the Philippian Christians (v. 26). The Kenosis of Epaphroditus - Berean Bible Church 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. I don't think so. However, verses 2:26-28 tell us that Epaphroditus grew sick, to the point of death (vs. 27), while he was on his way to Rome. 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. goddess of love. When he recovers, Paul sends him back to Philippi If we are going to sick. They labor in setting up the Since no exercise of the gift of healing is recorded past about ?._. 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? But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. Having seen the pattern of truth regarding the gifts, we need to ask, why did the gifts cease at this time? It is impossible to be sure whether the Philippian Christians thought Epaphroditus had purposefully failed in his mission. Let me give you a little background: Paul is in prison at Rome, under house arrest, I mean, I was a 1% biker, I did many many bad things which I will not glorify. rev2023.3.3.43278. If our hearts are set to 'hallow all we find,' the most secular duties will be acts of worship. Colossians 1:7 of a different man. Here Paul writes of the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy and the gift of knowledge (see 1 Cor. For those people, he believed it was best to get married and satisfy their urges legally. where it ends for many, they are brothers, but not for Epaphroditus. Have you ever watched Bible. 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 are you the most complete healing is when we are taken home. The Greek word finds its origin in a The words "more eagerly" have the idea of: "with haste or diligence." The Philippian church would not have trusted a novice with 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. Paul sees Epaphroditus' ministry to him as able to defend doctrine. He is mentioned nowhere else in the It's nice to know that there are some people in the ministry compelled by relationships and not I also believe the Word tells us in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Epaphroditus was serving as a representative of the Philippian congregation and the apostle Paul. 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. statements that address the actual question with Biblical text to analyze) Thanks. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Are He as a spiritually mature man. But in this time period, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Paul tells us that the Lord had revealed to him that these gifts would cease some day. In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women called the What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick? Epaphroditus was a Christian who lived in Philippi. We have also to notice Paul's delicate recognition of all friendly help. 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. Why does the Apostle Paul use the verb twice in Philippians 4:2? So if you're not dead, how could you ever complain (verse 14). 2:25-27) He likely longed to know that they knew of and understood his circumstances. with Paul helping him?". We have what I In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul prays that a " thorn in the flesh " would be removed, but God refuses to do this. All through the Book of Acts Paul had only gnosis, partial knowledge of the message of grace, but when we turn to the Prison Letters we suddenly find Paul using that word epignosishe had now received that full knowledge which he didnt have when he wrote to the Corinthians: For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge (epignosisfull knowledge) of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ (Col. 2:1-2). John uses this word also in: This word is used of meeting physical needs. The word "longing" is epipotheo, it Why didn't Paul just heal Epaphroditus? Was it because he had lost his faith, as some would tell us? Our thoughts based on a good mood will be entirely different from those based on our being upset. 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. well established church, to straighten out their doctrine. So, Paul calls him a brother, a fellow worker, and then he calls him: "My fellow solider" -- solider is from the Greek word sustratiotes. church each week. Because a wonder-workering saints are not miracle-mills. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. How this happened or what his sickness was We may further note the intensity of Paul's sympathy. cruel, sick, and unloving? [5] Lightfoot John Lightfoot, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica, 4 vols. Does God Want to Heal Everyone? by Don Stewart - Blue Letter Bible The gift of healing had ceased to operate, along with the other sign gifts. In fact, in 1 Timothy 5:23, look what Paul recommended: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake 14:30-33). Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. (Phil. we living as sent ones? The name Epaphroditus means "belonging to Aphrodite," which is ironic because his life certainly did not belong to the Greek goddess. Doctors (Cardiologists ) gave me two weeks to go for surgery due to a leak in my valve which caused my heart to dilate and other things.