Epaphroditus A Pattern In Sickness

Let us continue to muse today on the pattern to follow when shut up by God. In Philippians 2:25-30 I find Epaphroditus a pattern in sickness. Most of us are side lined when sick,surely not a pattern for service. Epaphroditus’ name means a refreshing breeze or one devoted to another. I see in him an unbelievable service in sickness. In 4:18 he made the trip from Philippi to Rome while sick unto death. In 2:25 Paul said he was a brother, companion, fellow soldier, messenger, and one who ministers to my wants. These are all terms of great service. It is one thing to meet the needs of one, but to meet their wants that is service above and beyond. In verse 26-30 I find he showed an unselfish service in sickness. In his sickness he was not concerned about his self, but the church at Philippi. Paul told the church when he comes, hold him in the highest regard. In verse 30 we are told he did not regard his own life. The phrase is a gambling term of one who throws in his bet without thought. That was Epaphroditus response when ask to serve, he would say I am in without a thought. Prisoners usually are not a very good pattern to follow, but the ones God locks up sure are.