EPAPHRODITUS ĭ păf’ rə dī təs (̓Επαφρόδιτος, G2073, handsome, charming). A member of the Philippian church who brought an offering to Paul at Rome (Phil 2:25-30; 4:18).

His Gr. name, corresponding to the Lat. Venustus (belonging to Venus), indicated a non-Jewish origin. The name was common in both its Gr. and Lat. forms. It was also common in a contracted form, Epaphras. There is no evidence to identify him with the Epaphras from Colossae (Col 1:7; 4:12).

Epaphroditus was an esteemed member of the Philippian church; that he was an officer is not certain. He was commissioned to deliver the church’s offering to Paul (Phil 4:18) and to stay and help him (2:25, 30). In relation to the Philippians Paul calls him “your messenger and minister to my need,” sent to serve Paul on their behalf. He became dangerously ill at Rome “for the work of Christ.” His sickness possibly came from exposure on the trip, but more prob. from overexertion in fulfilling his commission at Rome, “risking his life to complete your service to me.”

After his slow recovery Paul felt it best to send Epaphroditus back home. He was distressed because of anxiety for him at Philippi and longed to return. Paul sent him back with the letter to the Philippians and asked them to receive Epaphroditus “in the Lord with all joy.” Paul’s description of Epaphroditus as “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier” indicates his own high esteem of him.

Bibliography Commentaries in loc. J. A. Beet, “Epaphroditus and the gift from Philippi,” The Expositor, 3rd ser. IX (1889), 64-66; H. S. Seekings, The Men of the Pauline Circle (1914), 157-164; H. C. Lees, St. Paul’s Friends (1918), 192-209; A. T. Robertson, Types of Preachers in the NT (1922), 230-238.