Epaphroditus the Apostle

2:25 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

The word translated messenger here is APOSTOLOS, the word from which we get our word "apostle." But it is not translated here in our English versions as "apostle" because it is clear that Epaphroditus here is not being labeled an apostle in the same sense as the Twelve (Cf. 2Cor.8:23). The word "apostle" in Greek is the noun form of the verb which means "to send." Thus, apostle means "sent one." Because Epaphroditus and others were sent as special representatives by various churches to minister in various ways, they are called "apostles" - in other words, special messengers. We must remember that although the word "apostle" is given a technical Christian meaning in the NT, it was a word in use in the Greek language and here it was utilized by Paul in its non-technical sense.

This is also the case with the words "elder" and "deacon" in the NT. Both terms are used in two different ways. Elder is used to denote an office in the church [e.g. Titus 1:5-6], as well as referring generally to an older person [e.g. 1Tim. 5:1; Heb. 11:2]. Deacon is also used to designate a specific office in the church [e.g. 1Tim. 3:8-13], as well as someone who is a servant of others [e.g. 1Cor. 3:5; Gal. 2:17; Eph. 3:17]. In both cases, the same Greek word is used to describe two very different things. The same thing holds true for the word "apostle" as well.

This knowledge about the word "apostle" helps us in at least two ways. First, it helps us to understand the role of the apostles in our lives. They are much more than Bible heroes. Just as Epaphroditus was chosen by the Philippian believers to represent them to Paul, so these twelve men are God’s special representatives sent into our lives to bring His message to us. If we neglect their lives and their teaching, then we are disregarding the God who sent them to us.

Secondly, it reminds us that to some extent all believers are apostles. Even though Jesus sent the Twelve out into the world in a special way, He sends each of us out as well. We are His messengers in this world, sent to bring His message and to represent Him to mankind. As Epaphroditus brought messages and expressions of love to Paul in chains, let us bring God’s message along with expressions of love to this world which is in the chains of sin and misery.

"As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:21

Speak into my life, Lord, through Your chosen messengers, Your apostles. May their writings teach me and inspire me and correct me. May my ears and my heart be open to Your message spoken through them. May their testimony be used to rearrange my life, disposing of the things not in keeping with Your ways and lifting my eyes up to a higher and grander view. And may the Spirit that inspired them also inspire me to be a faithful messenger of Christ in this lost world, representing Him well to those I come in contact with.