Philippians 2 25

Philippians 2:25 kjv

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Philippians 2:25 nkjv

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

Philippians 2:25 niv

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Philippians 2:25 esv

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,

Philippians 2:25 nlt

Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 25 Meaning

Paul here expresses his considered decision to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippian church. This verse provides a profound commendation of Epaphroditus, highlighting his multifaceted and invaluable role in Paul's ministry and as the Philippians' representative. Paul emphasizes Epaphroditus's close personal relationship and partnership with him in gospel work, his commitment in the face of spiritual challenges, and his dedicated service in meeting Paul's practical needs as the Philippians' appointed messenger.

Philippians 2 25 Context

Philippians 2:25 follows Paul's profound exhortation to humility and selfless service, exemplified by Christ (Phil 2:1-11) and by Paul himself (Phil 2:12-18), and then by Timothy (Phil 2:19-24). Epaphroditus is presented as yet another prime example of self-sacrificing dedication to the gospel. The immediate context also reveals Paul's deep pastoral concern for Epaphroditus, who had been sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul in prison, but had fallen dangerously ill (Phil 2:27, 30). Paul sends him back to relieve the Philippians' anxiety over Epaphroditus's health and to minister to them, perhaps carrying this very letter. This action underscores Paul's emphasis on mutual care and honor within the body of Christ. Historically, this highlights the personal and dangerous nature of early Christian missions and the significant role of delegated individuals in maintaining communication and support among churches.

Philippians 2 25 Word analysis

• But I thought it necessary (Ἔκρινα δὲ ἀναγκαῖον – Ekrina de anankaion): "I judged it necessary" or "I considered it imperative." This conveys Paul's deliberate, well-reasoned decision, not a casual thought. It reflects his pastoral wisdom in managing both the needs of the Philippians and his own circumstances.

• to send (πέμψαι – pempsai): A straightforward term for dispatching someone. In this context, it implies authority and delegation, signifying a purposeful mission.

• to you Epaphroditus (ὑμῖν Ἐπαφρόδιτον – hymin Epaphroditon): Epaphroditus's name, meaning "charming" or "devoted to Aphrodite," was common in the Greco-Roman world, not reflecting his faith but common cultural nomenclature. Paul uses it with respect, and his subsequent description defines the man.

• my brother (ἀδελφὸν μου – adelphon mou): Denotes spiritual kinship, shared faith in Christ, and deep personal affection. This foundational bond often forms the basis for collaborative ministry. (Cf. Rom 12:10)

• and fellow worker (καὶ συνεργὸν – kai synergon): Synergos literally means "one who works with." It highlights a collaborative partner in ministry, one actively engaged alongside Paul in advancing the gospel. (Cf. 1 Cor 3:9)

• and fellow soldier (καὶ συστρατιώτην – kai synstratioten): Synstratiōtēs implies someone who shares in the hardships and spiritual warfare of Christian ministry. This title suggests Epaphroditus's courage, resilience, and willingness to endure difficulties for the sake of the gospel, aligning with the imagery of spiritual battle (Eph 6:10-18).

• who is also your messenger (ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον – hymōn de apostolon): Apostolon (apostle) here means "one sent with a commission" or "envoy/representative." Epaphroditus was the Philippians' personal representative sent to Paul, fulfilling their specific mandate. This shows their trust and his delegated authority from them. (Cf. 2 Cor 8:23)

• and minister to my need (καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου – kai leitourgon tēs chreias mou): Leitourgon (lit. "public servant" or "minister") refers to someone performing a service, often a public or sacred duty. In this context, it signifies Epaphroditus's specific function of serving Paul's practical needs, specifically by delivering the Philippians' financial and material support (Php 4:18) and perhaps personal care during his imprisonment. (Cf. Rom 15:27)

• "my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier": This phrase functions as a tripartite description of Epaphroditus's profound relationship with Paul and his commitment to the gospel. It progresses from spiritual kinship to active partnership, and finally to shared suffering and steadfastness in ministry, painting a holistic picture of his character. This shows a deep level of trust and affection Paul had for him, considering him an indispensable partner.

• "your messenger and minister to my need": This dual description outlines Epaphroditus's specific commission from the Philippians. He wasn't merely delivering aid; he was their officially recognized emissary, acting on their behalf to serve Paul. This emphasizes the communal aspect of Christian ministry and the role of inter-church support.

Philippians 2 25 Bonus section

• The string of commendatory titles ("brother," "fellow worker," "fellow soldier") is striking. Paul typically uses these titles for individuals of high standing and trusted partnership in his closest circle of ministry colleagues, indicating Epaphroditus's elevated position and profound importance to Paul.
• The use of apostolos ("messenger/apostle") for Epaphroditus indicates that while the term held a unique primary sense for the twelve apostles and Paul, it was also employed more broadly in the early church to describe those commissioned and sent by a church community with a specific task or message. This shows the practical, rather than exclusively foundational, application of the term in some contexts.
• Epaphroditus's service as "minister to my need" involved significant risk and hardship, culminating in his near-fatal illness (Php 2:27). This detail (mentioned later in the chapter) underlines the often perilous nature of early Christian ministry and the high cost of discipleship. His willingness to serve to the point of death perfectly illustrates Christ's humility and the call to selfless service for which Paul advocated earlier in the chapter.

Philippians 2 25 Commentary

Philippians 2:25 stands as Paul's sincere and warm introduction for Epaphroditus, highlighting not just his purpose of return but the exceptional quality of his character and ministry. He is presented as an exemplar of the selfless dedication and sacrificial service that Paul had just described in Christ (Phil 2:5-8). Each title Paul bestows—"brother," "fellow worker," "fellow soldier," "your messenger," and "minister to my need"—builds a comprehensive profile of a highly valued individual.

"My brother" underscores the spiritual family bond, transcending mere association to deep affection and shared identity in Christ. "Fellow worker" identifies him as an active partner in the arduous task of gospel proclamation and church building. "Fellow soldier" elevates this partnership to a level of shared hardship, sacrifice, and combat against spiritual forces or earthly opposition, aligning Epaphroditus with the unwavering commitment demanded in spiritual warfare (2 Tim 2:3).

Furthermore, Epaphroditus's role as "your messenger" (apostolos) dignifies his mission as an ambassador representing the Philippian church directly to Paul. This implies not only delivery of their gift (Php 4:18) but also a representative presence, offering encouragement and hands-on service, acting as the "minister to my need" (leitourgos). This term carries connotations of sacred public service, reflecting the spiritual significance of providing for an imprisoned apostle's physical welfare. Through Epaphroditus, the Philippians' generous service and genuine concern found practical expression.

Paul's decision to send him back, despite his own ongoing imprisonment, showcases pastoral sensitivity—not only relieving the Philippians' anxiety about Epaphroditus's illness (as further discussed in vv. 26-30) but also sending them a proven and respected servant who could continue to encourage and strengthen them. Epaphroditus therefore exemplifies the profound inter-dependence and mutual self-sacrificing love essential for healthy Christian community and effective gospel ministry.