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Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the thingswhich were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

my brother.

2 Corinthians 2:13
I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8:22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence whichI have in you.

Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothyour brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

companion.

Philippians 4:3
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, andwith other my fellowlabourers, whose namesare in the book of life.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry,ye are God's building.

2 Corinthians 8:23
Whetherany do inquire of Titus,he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethrenbe inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches,and the glory of Christ.

fellowsoldier.

2 Timothy 2:3,4
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…

Philemon 1:2
And toour beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

but.

Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

John 17:18
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

2 Corinthians 8:23
Whetherany do inquire of Titus,he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethrenbe inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches,and the glory of Christ.

and he.

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the thingswhich were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? …

my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier
Paul uses familial and military metaphors to describe Epaphroditus, highlighting the close bond and shared mission in the gospel. "Brother" emphasizes the spiritual kinship among believers. "Fellow worker" indicates collaboration in spreading the gospel, a theme prevalent in Paul's letters (e.g.,1 Corinthians 3:9). "Fellow soldier" suggests the spiritual warfare aspect of Christian ministry, as seen inEphesians 6:10-18, where Paul discusses the armor of God.

who is also your messenger
Epaphroditus served as a representative of the Philippian church, entrusted with delivering their gifts and support to Paul. The term "messenger" (Greek: apostolos) can also mean "apostle," though here it likely refers to his role as a delegate. This reflects the early church's practice of sending envoys to maintain connections and support among distant congregations.

and minister to my needs
Epaphroditus's role included providing for Paul's physical and possibly emotional needs during his imprisonment. This service exemplifies the Christian principle of mutual aid and support, as seen inGalatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The term "minister" (Greek: leitourgos) suggests a sacred service, indicating that such acts of support were seen as a form of worship and service to God.

Paul is writing from prison in Rome (Philippians 1:13), sensing a pastoral obligation to act for the spiritual well-being of the Philippian church. His phrase “necessary” conveys urgency, not preference—mirroring his earlier resolve to remain alive “for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:24-25).

• CompareActs 20:22-24, where Paul is similarly compelled by the Spirit despite hardship.

• See1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, where necessity also drives Paul to send Timothy for encouragement.

Epaphroditus had come from Philippi with their financial gift (Philippians 4:18). Returning him “back to you” highlights Paul’s respect for shared ownership in ministry—leaders are not hoarded but circulated for the church’s good.

• As inActs 15:36-40, sending trusted coworkers strengthens multiple congregations.

•Romans 1:11-12 shows Paul’s delight in mutual encouragement through personal presence.

Paul first identifies Epaphroditus by the family bond they share in Christ. Spiritual kinship eclipses ethnic or social lines.

• Jesus frames believers as His “brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:49-50).

•Hebrews 2:11 affirms: “Both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family.”

The term shifts from relationship to labor. Epaphroditus is not a passive supporter but an active participant in gospel work.

•1 Corinthians 3:9: “For we are God’s fellow workers.”

•Colossians 4:11 lists coworkers who “have been a comfort to me,” underscoring shared toil.

Ministry includes warfare imagery, reminding the church that service involves conflict and endurance.

•2 Timothy 2:3: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

•Ephesians 6:11-13 speaks of putting on the full armor of God to stand firm.

Epaphroditus represents the Philippians, carrying their gift and their love. “Messenger” (apostolos) underscores authorized commission without elevating him above others.

•2 Corinthians 8:23 calls Titus and companions “messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.”

•Philippians 4:15-16 celebrates the church’s consistent partnership through such emissaries.

Finally, Paul honors Epaphroditus’ practical service—meeting physical and emotional needs while Paul is confined. Material help is spiritual ministry.

•Galatians 6:6: “The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”

•2 Timothy 1:16-18 tells of Onesiphorus refreshing Paul in prison, a vivid parallel.

Philippians 2:25 paints a full portrait of gospel partnership: compelled by necessity, Paul returns a beloved brother whose identity spans family affection, shared labor, and military-like resolve. Epaphroditus models a church-sent messenger who meets tangible needs and embodies the unity of Christ’s body. The verse urges believers to value one another in every facet—relational, missional, and sacrificial—so that the work of the gospel advances in love and strength.

Your messenger.--The original word isapostle; and by some interpreters, ancient and modern, it has been thought that it is intended here to designate the chief pastor--or, in the modern sense, the bishop--of the Philippian Church (as probably is the case with the "angels" of the churches in the Apocalypse); and the word "your" is then explained in the same sense as the words "of the Gentiles" inRomans 11:13. But this is very unlikely, (1) because there seems to be no example to confirm the statement that the chief pastor of a church was ever called its "apostle;" (2) because the character of the apostolate, being general and evangelistic, was very different from that of the local and pastoral episcopate; (3) because in this passage the word is inseparably connected with the following "and minister to my needs," showing the latter phrase to be explanatory of the previous word; (4) because the style of commendation inPhilippians 2:29 is hardly suitable as applied to one whose office alone should have commanded respect. Our version is, therefore, correct in rendering it "messenger," just as in2Corinthians 8:23 ("the messengers of the churches"), where there is a similar reference to the transmission of alms. . . .