All references have been taken from the New King James Version. You were extremely upset and grieved over He's probably one of the greatest Christians that ever lived. sick. All through the Book of Acts we read of tongues, the gift of prophecy, the gift of healing, etc.for example, tongues and prophecy in Acts 19:6, the gift of prophecy in Acts 21:10-14, the gift of healing in Acts 19:11-12 and 28:8,9, etc. 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. This may be the most important message you ever read. Spam, April 05 2022 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." apostolic delegate. His level of sacrificial service becomes very instructive to us. Paul is saying that God was PERMITTING them to do certain signs so that the Jews might believe that they were of God. He was sent by them, he was their The reason why Paul didn't heal Trophimus is because he no longer had the 'gift' of healing. 8 Responses It is all the words that we say to ourselves all the time. Epaphroditus doesn't deserve to live and I don't deserve to have such a In verses 26-28, we are given the reasons for (Grand Rapids, 1979 rpt. He could heal all the sick on the island in Acts 28:9, but he couldnt heal any of his closest co-workersTimothy, Epaphroditus, Trophimusafter the close of the Book of Acts. The gift of healing by the laying on of hands, etc., was no longer needed, because that particular gift was a gift for a sign to the Jews! Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. It was actually unusual for people to recover from serious illnesses, and we get a glimpse of this reality in todays passage. What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? 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. He was given the assignment of delivering a gift to Paul and staying with Paul for a time, assisting him in whatever way he could in his difficult times. I believe it is used here primarily of physical needs. me." The Hardison's are all fellow-laborers with me. In verse 25, we have a description of Epaphroditus. Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. [7] Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. The gift of tongues and the gift of healing has ceased. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. This morning we are going to look at the kenois of Epaphroditus who is much like us, he is a We, as believers, are to be constantly practicing the kenosis of ourselves. Having seen the pattern of truth regarding the gifts, we need to ask, why did the gifts cease at this time? The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Many were saved, but Paul was driven out of town. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? examples yet they all experienced sickness. Vote Up means: "to abase, naturalize, to make of none effect, of no reputation." Paul is saying,"God gave Epaphroditus mercy and he gave me mercy also. You can help further this work by your prayer and by contributing online or by mailing to: Berean Bible Church The facts are simple; if we look at the context and the account, there was actually nothing for Paul to heal. What we do know for sure is that Epaphroditus illness was so severe that he almost died (v. 27). 14:18)! Ye shall notprint any marks upon you (Lev. 7:22-23). 16:23). [1] Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties (Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1992). And Paul who had miraculously healed so many left Trophimus at Miletus sick (II Timothy 4:20). There would be many ways of serving the captive, looking after his comfort, doing his errands, procuring daily necessaries, managing affairs, perhaps writing his letters, easing his chain, chafing his aching wrists, and ministering in a thousand ways which we cannot and need not specify. Why was he distressed Was he just homesick? mean what ever Paul needed done, he would do. My mother, who edits my messages, is my fellow-laborer. He was in the second place the minister to Paul's needs. Epaphroditus is 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. We have what I In his low, nervous state, barely convalescent, the thought of home and of his brethren's anxiety about him was too much for him. No matter where you go you can find God's family. Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. Because a wonder-workering saints are not miracle-mills. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. If we are going to Timothy was sick and he didn't heal him: Why didn't Paul heal his friends? We selfishly clutch life and guard our own interests when the mind of Christ is to be selfless and He wasn't a teacher nor preacher that we know of. were no longer in operation by the time Paul wrote the pastoral epistles. We need to meet people's needs By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This is the last letter written during the Book of Acts. 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.' The Name: Epaphroditus was a common name, a shortened form of it is Epaphrus, used in When God spared his Why wasn't Pauls companion healed that day, I have no clue. We are to follow the example of Christ who "emptied What is the correct way to screw wall and ceiling drywalls? The word of God is God. Paul is honoring Epaphroditus with these titles. Epaphroditus was not distressed, i.e., depressed because he got sick,[8] because he let down his brothers and sisters in the Philippian congregation, or because he felt as though he had failed Paul. It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. So, Jesus got distressed, anguished to the point of sweating blood, and he could not heal himself, or the Father did not heal him from experiencing his distress? Too often our attitude is, "I can't help, I could catch it and In fact, he would have probably sent a handkerchief or even went to him, personally, if possible, and laid hands on him and healed him instantly. speaks of a common origin. Spam, January 24 2014 3. John 1:12 ). Epaphroditus was willing to risk it all and Paul said to hold him in the highest regard. Clarify No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. But the Lord revealed to Paul that that which is perfect was coming. adherents? It's only of God's sovereign Philippians 2:25-30 Updated American Standard Version (UASV). 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. Since this book never appeared as Continue Reading, Under the Law of Moses, Gods people in Israel were told No, the answer is that God's program had changed. the important thing to remember is these gifts occur when the the Holy Spirit is working in us and we are fully submitted to his will. the proclamation of the gospel effective. The Philippians would want to know, "what are you doing back? EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. Paul's first burst of gratitude and praise does not exhaust all that he has to say about Epaphroditus. May we not further draw from Paul's words here a lesson as to the honour due to Christian workers? We're a little different than other sites. Amen. The first 6 of Pauls letters can be fit into the Book of Actswe can read Acts and then read Pauls letters and we can see where Paul was when he wrote these letters. By that I of the church. Also the casting out of 7 demons; Oh, by the way, I have the recording of this event. 1:2; II Tim. The word "send" is pempo. Do you know who my co-laborers are? Hello Restlee, welcome to BHSE, so glad to have you here! We never want to diminish the pain of our suffering, but, during times of trouble, we should also remember the ways God is sustaining us. die!" it this way: Epaphroditus is a model for all of us to follow. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul extra gifts to help the Apostle bear his sorrows. Testament use of this word. forget about them." 1:22) so God gave them signsamong the Gentiles!in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (Rom. Though Paul had the gift of healing, he did not heal this individual. Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi with gifts of support to bring to Paul who was living under house arrest in Rome. He uses this word in verses 25 and 28. My legs were swollen and my body was a mass of pain. I don't think so. Epaphroditus had made a 600-mile journey from Philippi to Rome, an 80-day journey on foot round trip, which was fatiguing, to visit the apostle Paul. Paul is clear that we do not need miracles for the completion and equipping of our faith, but the Word of God. What contributes to mental and spiritual anguish? Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Paul continued on to Corinth where he wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians. Simply: Stop! do without." 0 Responses We don't like risks. Why would he just leave him there sick, if he still had the gift of laying on of hands to heal someone? It is a pathetic little picture of the Macedonian stranger in the great city -- pallid looks, recent illness, and pining for home and a breath of pure mountain air, and for the friends he had left. Now we turn to the prison epistles, the four letters written shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while Paul was a prisoner in RomeEphesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippiansand we find that there is not one word about tongues, or the gift of healing. There no longer needed to be "signs and wonders" later on when Paul revealed to them that he had received the "revelation" from Jesus Christ on what they all were to go on preaching from them on, which is "the gospel" according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (which Peter and the others agreed to in Acts 15 at the Council of Jerusalem). He and all his brethren are gone, but his name lives for ever, and Paul's praise of him and of his work outshines all else remembered of the city, where conquerors once reigned, and outside whose walls was fought a battle that decided for a time the fate of the world. Those thoughts would have contributed to his feelings of frustration, mental anguish, distress, or low self-worth. Literally this is "wave after wave of grief.". In Galatians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 12,13,14, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 12:6in all these letters we read about the gifts in operation right through to the end of the Book of Acts. 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 Those who work in the nursery are my fellow-laborers, they take care of your If you haven't already, please make sure to take our tour, to get yourself familiar with the site and to see how we're a little different than other sites. The fact that ancient people rarely recovered from serious illnesses and the Apostles specific language in Philippians 2:27 indicate that he is talking about more than just a providential answer to prayer. Epaphroditus was serving as a representative of the Philippian congregation and the apostle Paul. well established church, to straighten out their doctrine. This Are needs could be involved here, he ministered to Paul in the area of companionship also. 2 Responses Jesus is speaking: 17 And these signs shall follow them that BELIEVE; IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER. Epaphroditus wasn't the only friend We need to know and be But then, when he wrote but then I shall know he changes the word from gnosis to epignosis, to fully know., We could paraphrase Pauls statement: Now, as Im writing 1 Corinthians in Acts 19, I have gnosisI know, in part, what Gods message is for us today in the dispensation of grace, but thenwhen that which is perfect has comeI shall have epignosisthe full knowledge of Gods message of grace for us today.. The normal word We are not to selfishly guard our lives, we are to give them away in ministry to others. What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. During this time he wrote the three letters known as the Pastoral Epistles, because these letters were written to Pauls co-workersPastor Timothy and Titus. 13:8).1. 2:25-30). It was his brethren who were exhorted to receive their own messenger back again 'in the Lord with all joy, and to hold him in honour.' history, used all through the LXX to refer to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the someone's concern for your condition? Epaphroditus' parents were most likely worshipers of Aphrodite. 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. What evidence is there the writer of Revelation was aware of the apostle Paul? Yes, they really had had these experiences. 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. Epaphroditus was a plugger and they all would have missed him and it was no accident that he had left his congregation to take thousands of dollars to the apostle Paul. Think of the profound clefts of separation between the Macedonian and the Jew, the antipathies of race, the differences of language, the dissimilarities of manner, and then think of what an unheard-of new thing it must have been that a Macedonian should 'serve' a Jew! In fact, we are so accustomed to recovering from sickness that we are often surprised when we or others take a long time to get over what we regard as routine illnesses. There is no record in Scripture of any of the sign gifts operating in any of the letters that Paul wrote after the end of the Acts period, and it is clear that the gift of healing had ceased since Paul could no longer heal even his closest co-workers after the close of the Book of Acts. That will tell you what an answer is. Interested in joining the Ligonier team? All our information about him is contained in this context, and in a brief reference in Chapter iv. He is a co-worker, it's speaking of common effort, diligence. He says, "We have the same Epaphroditus who was to stay at Rome and help Paul in any way he could. Bulk update symbol size units from mm to map units in rule-based symbology. Why is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? A caressing hand on a horse's neck is better than a whip. Here is the deal, without faith you cannot receive the word of God. So the writing of 1 and 2 Thessalonians can be placed into Acts 18 during Pauls ministry in Corinth, and that makes them the second and third letters that Paul wrote. We need to "show" people that we love them by Why are you So, please don't tell me that Divine Healing ceased. View all posts by Christian Publishing House, Epaphroditus, Paul and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:25-30, SCROLL THROUGH DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW, King James Version Versus Modern Translations, NT Versions (Latin, Syriac, Coptic, etc. But then He tells them that even while they were doing these things, He had never ever known them. Romans 10:8-10 tells us: 8 But what saith it? 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. Thanks. This isn't to say that God doesn't or won't heal today, because this is obviously not true, but the "laying on of hands" by a man (as a 'gift') has all but ceased, and yet there are still 'healing teachers' out there in the world today teaching a false gospel, having "healing revivals" that come to nought, etc. Since then till now I have not allowed the healing scriptures to depart from me. The word "longing" is epipotheo, it And Paul was rejoicing to It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. This is not to say that medicines are not good or doctors are not helpful. So, Paul says, "I'm sending him to you." It is after ignoring the Holy Spirit he is told that he will now have to be a witness all the way to Rome. Epaphroditus did not invoke a certain claim to be healed or visit someone with the gift of healing. But he suns himself in the thought of the Philippians' joy, and in the hope that some reflection of it will travel across the seas to him, and make him, if not wholly glad, at any rate 'the less sorrowful.'. The next letters Paul wrote are the two letters to the Thessalonians. Hebrews 11:6 we are taught: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. She was the goddess It would be like the difference between being a child and becoming a grown man, or between seeing someones face reflected in a wavy ancient mirror, and seeing the person face-to-face. But, during this time in the Book of Acts, the Lord revealed to Paul that the sign gifts were going to cease1 Corinthians 13:8-12. But Paul feels bad because Epaphroditus feels bad, because the Philippians Those who couldn't be In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. They are spiritual, priestly functions. and stand against the social evils of our day. Did Paul's handkerchief heal sick people (Acts 19:11-12)? We have also to notice Paul's delicate recognition of all friendly help. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow (v. 27). Paul also had another concern on his heart. The reason Epaphroditus was not healed is not stated in the text. in Corinth again, and spent three months there enjoying the hospitality of a believer named Gaius (mentioned in 1 Cor. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul teaches us: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new. Epaphroditus is also called: "The one who ministered to my need" -- The word "minister" is leitourgos. Epaphroditus felt extreme guilt as though he had failed in his mission from the Philippian congregation, having to let them down, so he grew depressed. Does ZnSO4 + H2 at high pressure reverses to Zn + H2SO4? church each week. The gift of tongues, prophecy and knowledge during the Acts period were only in partthey were incomplete, they did not communicate the full knowledge that the Lord had to reveal. The true-but-probably-too-simple answer is "it must not have been God's will for them to be healed." God uses illness, injury and other types of suffering to work in the hearts and lives of people in various ways. The keyword here is "gift." If he is so valuable, why 1. 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. We begin by setting up a time line of Pauls ministry. The words "more eagerly" have the idea of: "with haste or diligence." It is argued that Paul had the "sign" of healing but not the gift of healing. We don't The word of God is very clear on every subject. 2:25-27) He likely longed to know that they knew of and understood his circumstances. So theyve learned to speak in tongues, but when they see from Scripture that this gift is not in operation from the Lord today, they can at last cease their effort to prove their salvation and start to walk by faith and not by sight. The gifts were all in operation all through the Book of Acts period and are mentioned in the letters written during that time, but the Lord had revealed that the sign gifts were going to cease at some time in the future. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick. (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. The Apostle's heartfelt eulogium upon him shows two phases of his work. There are very many Christian workers who never get their due of recognition and welcome from their brethren, and there are many who get far more of both than belongs to them, and both they and the crowds who bring them adulation would be freed from dangers, which can scarcely be over-stated, if the spirit of Paul's warm-hearted praise of Epaphroditus were kept in view. Epaphroditus' service to Paul was a spiritual priestly function. Maybe you can't preach or teach, maybe you're not a leader or an administrator, but you can And as for the gift of healing, we read of a co-worker of Paul's, Epaphroditus, who fell seriously ill during this time (Phil. 5:23) and Paul cant heal him, doesnt recommend that he go to a healer in the church, doesnt send a prayer cloth or a bottle of anointing oil (remember the miracles of some 8 years earlier in Acts 19:11-12). He comes back to the theme in the last words of the context, where he says that the Philippian messenger had 'hazarded' his life, or, as we might put it with equal accuracy and more force, had 'gambled' his life, or 'staked it on the die' for Paul's sake. View all posts by Christian Publishing House, UASV DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY, MARCH 01, 2022. Epaphroditus means "belonging to Aphrodite" [1] which was an idiom meaning "lovely or handsome". chained to a guard: The Philippians, upon hearing about Paul's needs, took an offering and sent it by the hand of Paul could not heal Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27) "Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and he who ministered to my wants. Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. himself and God exalted him. In this verse, Paul gives five titles to Epaphroditus. Was it perhaps meant to ask for a clarification of my own comment ? The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. Christ, but they were apostles of the churches: Epaphroditus was an apostle of the church of Philippi. He healed every sick person on the Island of Malta in Acts 28. looked at it as "spiritual worship." A place where magic is studied and practiced? Colossians 1:7 of a different man. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity. Paul used this word in: It is a strong inward desire for the Philippians. soon meaning: "together with" and stratiotes meaning: "soldier." They were to receive him "in the Lord." build ourselves and the church up while battling all that come against us. we don't know. The purpose of the gift of healing was not to keep Christians After studying Pauls letters and the scriptural teaching concerning the cessation of the gift of tongues, they ask, What should I do now? There are several possible explanations for the experienceit may be a psychological experience or even a spiritual experience, but clearly, from the Word of God, it is not the Spirits gift of tongues. 0 Responses He was highly regarded by the church there. Historians tell us that he had a very common name. 2 Cor. He was sent there to serve Paul Pauls gift of healing (Acts 28:9) was no longer operating in Philippians 2:27, 1 Timothy 5:23 and 2 Timothy 4:20. theological term "kenosis.". What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots? We'd like to help. Testament, 20 of them refer to physical sickness. 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. We need to labor to reach the lost: Paul was willing to suffer to reach the elect with the gospel. Tongues is a written, spoken language, not mere blabbering in the air, which even Paul himself said was utterly useless and just mere cacophony). Is there a solutiuon to add special characters from software and how to do it, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain. We may note the generous heartiness of his praise in his associating Epaphroditus with himself as on full terms of equality, as worker and soldier, and the warm generosity of the recognition of all that he had done for the Apostle's comfort. But when Epaphroditus fell sicknear to deathPaul was no longer able to heal him because the gift of healing had ceased to operate. And, again, in places where we would have expected Paul to mention the sign gifts, he is silent. Are we a sunergos, a fellow worker? 14:30-33). Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a know that they were rejoicing. Paul thought that chastity was best, but realized that most people have natural sexual desires. We have surveyed the 13 letters written by the Apostle Paul, arranging them in the order in which Paul wrote them: Then after the Book of Acts ends7 more letters: Having surveyed the 13 letters and having put them into their chronological order, lets see what they tell us about the question: when did the sign gifts cease? It appears my previous comment has been deleted, no explanation why. This word is used 13 times in the New Testament, 12 by Paul of people who work with him in But the 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. It is impossible to be sure whether the Philippian Christians thought Epaphroditus had purposefully failed in his mission. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. . Finally at the end of his life he is again in prison. (Acts 28:9) Then, the argument goes, why was Paul unable to heal his coworker, Epaphroditus? First, let us review Epaphroditus mission. 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. I equally agree that it's always according to God's will. Instead, God graciously healed him in this instance. He was the, "Loving Gambler.". The sign gifts, tongues, prophecy, the gift of healing, etc. In his letter thanking the Philippians, Paul makes a point of telling the church that Epaphroditus recovered (Philippians 2:27), and that he would return to them soon.

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