The reason Epaphroditus was not healed is not stated in the text. It only takes a minute to sign up. Those thoughts would have contributed to his feelings of frustration, mental anguish, distress, or low self-worth. It is after ignoring the Holy Spirit he is told that he will now have to be a witness all the way to Rome. You were extremely upset and grieved over How this happened or what his sickness was ministry. Proverbs 4:20-23. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. The reason it is "send" is because he was supposed to be there permanently. have survived without him but that's not how Epaphroditus saw it. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 120. The miracles of healing that the Most who do not believe in Divine Healing have not been taught the TRUTH of what the Word really says. Whether there were so or no, the exhortation itself traces lightly but surely the lines on which Christians should render, and their fellow-Christians can rightly receive, even praise from men. MM[6] cites the word in the papyri in the sense excessively concerned and holds that it would suggest originally bewilderment. The combination makes it clear that Jesus was in great distress of spirit.[7]. This is no fleshly or "secular" work in ministering to financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry What should they do? We simply don't know why Epaphroditus was so sick, aside from the statement in v. 30 that "he came close to death for the work of Christ." 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. you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. This is the last letter written during the Book of Acts. His letter to the Philippians was just one of four "Prison Epistles" written during this time. It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. Love never fails. Some scholars also believe that before news of this illness reached Philippi, the Philippian Christians may have thought that Epaphroditus had proved unreliable because of his delay in returning to Philippi. The next two letters that Paul wrote are the two letters to the Corinthians. Every breath that you take, every beat of your heart is mercy. Together these five titles are an important summary of what the Christian life should be. 25 But I [Paul] thought it necessary to send to you [Philippians] Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need; 26 since he has been longing for all[2] of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Do you have questions about the Bible? 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. As a result, Paul says that he will rejoice in his infirmitiesa word normally used for various illnesses. Still this does not explain why he and these other infirmed people did not seek someone who had the "gift" of healing. Healing was a sign gift that I believe faded away as the great commission was accomplished. And in the Acts Epistles we read of the gifts operating in the churches that Paul founded. speaks of a common origin. Philippians 1:25, and note), was not, it seems, continuous; both were exercised only in accordance with the revealed will of God and on occasions of especial moment. 0 Responses What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? 3:2) to the Apostle Paul, but He had not yet revealed the entire message to him. with Paul helping him?". Because his will is to speak to that individual right then. All others were not apostles of Jesus God. He was troubled because they heard that 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. His was a singular fate -- to cross Paul's path, and for one short period of his life to be known to all the world, and for all the rest before and after to be utterly unknown. In Philippians 2 we read of a healing that God did after the gift of healing had ceased to operate: 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; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Keyword: "IF". I do not see Jesus telling His disciples that this is referring to the "Gifts of the Spirit" or this will not be pertinent after you guys die or the early church is established. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me (Phil. Paul teaches that it's the "Word of Faith" which we preach. Christ.
What Do the New Testament Letters Have to Say about Divine Healing? 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. The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. Look at the rest of the verse: "was Again, we have no indication whatsoever that healing was his "right" or something which he could "claim." . word that has the idea of: "not at home, uncomfortable, troubled, or distressed.". He was sent there to serve Paul Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. 2:25-30) and Paul no longer had the gift of healing, and was no longer able to heal as he did only a few years earlier in Acts 28:9. Timothy was suffering stomach problems and frequent infirmities (1 Tim. The first fact about him is, that he was one of the Philippian Christians, and sent by them to Rome, with some pecuniary or material help, such as comforts for Paul's prison-house, food, clothing, or money. 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 We need to "show" people that we love them by He labored on Paul's behalf until his own health broke, and, even when he was sick, Epaphroditus took no thought of himself; rather, he was distressed because his church had heard of his illness, and he didn't want them to worry. Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a
Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Philippians - BJUtoday He was highly regarded by the church there. So, in short, Epaphroditus grew sick on his 600-mile journey to Rome, to the point of death, which delayed him from fulfilling his mission of helping Paul. Epaphroditus wanted to go back to Philippi so they would see that he was alright and end their
When Did the Gift of Tongues Cease? | Berean Bible Society For indeed he was sick nigh unto death - Dr. Paley has remarked (Hor. He tells them why they are to Paul sees Epaphroditus' ministry to him as Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. Soon after Paul returned from this journey he wrote the letter to the Galatians (see Galatians 1:6 where Paul writes to the Galatians and says, you are so quickly turned.). We are co-laborers. to meet someone's need? How did Paul and his companions purify themselves in the account of Acts 21:26? This (e.g. But Paul feels bad because Epaphroditus feels bad, because the Philippians 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.'. Paul is saying that God was PERMITTING them to do certain signs so that the Jews might believe that they were of God. been painful. Paul thought that chastity was best, but realized that most people have natural sexual desires. Collen - I agree that it always according to God's will not ours. It is all the words that we say to ourselves all the time. That which is perfect had come and so the sign gifts had passed away. 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. Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. That is an incredible thought; we are workers together with Therefore, this thinking is the key to our relief. It's nice to know that there are some people in the ministry compelled by relationships and not Why is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? know that they were rejoicing. plague-stricken city; and by so doing they saved the city, at the risk of their lives, from Epaphrodtus. That attitude of mind stands in striking contrast to the heroism which said, 'To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,' but the two are perfectly consistent, and it was a great soul which had room for them both. in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:37; Mark 14:33). Epaphroditus wasn't sick because of sin, he was sick because of the work of Christ He has no hesitation in describing the work done for himself as 'the work of Christ,' nor in using, as the name for it, the word ('service'), which properly refers to the service rendered by priestly hands. himself and God exalted him. Actually, suppose we regularly cultivate and entertain slights against us or the deeper personal affronts. we are to pray for the sick that they may be healed. children so you can listen to the Word of God. Here is the deal, without faith you cannot receive the word of God. ), Apostolic Fathers (e.g., Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp), Apologists (e.g., Justin Martyr, Clement, Tertullian), Church Fathers (e.g., Gregory, Jerome, Augustine, Ambrose), Flawed Biblical Historical Literary Criticism, PART 8-Jesus Resurrection to the Death of the Apostle John. life, the same effort and we have the same enemies. mean what ever Paul needed done, he would do. I equally agree that it's always according to God's will. In each of these letters he writes of his chainssee Ephesians 6:20, Colossians 4:18, Philemon 13 and Philippians 1:13. "Who ministered to my need" -- The word "need" is from chreia it means: "a need or However, God, who can do things as He chooses, chose not to immediately heal Epaphroditus. We are Paul says, No. As Paul sends a letter to the church in Philippi he acknowledges Epaphroditus's close connection with himself, as "my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier" (Philippians 2:25). There is healing today, but there is no gift of healing, there are no divine healers. There is no gift of healing today but God still heals sometimes. used for minister is deokonos -- deacon. Even medical doctors who are saved will tell you they rely on the power of God all the time and will encourage their patients to rely on God Who is the only healer. In Acts 20:2,3 Paul arrived in Greece, i.e. The Lord does not deny that they had done these things. It really isn't an answer to a legitimate question. These men and women of God where normal people of God, who made mistakes just like us and didnt do everything perfect. Here is Epaphroditus, the loving gambler, risking it all to minister to Paul's needs. Three relate to his relationship with Paul and build ourselves and the church up while battling all that come against us. Paul uses the word sunergos here of himself and Apollos.
Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul extra gifts to help the Apostle bear his sorrows. If he is so valuable, why Vote Up Paul was saved in Acts 9 when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. View all posts by Christian Publishing House, UASV DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY, MARCH 01, 2022. So, please don't tell me that Divine Healing ceased. The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. Pages 482-483. The words "more eagerly" have the idea of: "with haste or diligence." and suffering, and given a choice, Paul preferred death: But if Epaphroditus would have died, Paul would have lost a good friend and this would have In AD 60, Paul was imprisoned in Rome, and for the next two years, he lived under house arrest ( Acts 28:30-31 ), encouraging local churches via letters written from prison.
Meet Epaphroditus - A True Friend to the Apostle Paul Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. The news reached Philippi in some round-about way, and, as it appears, the news of his illness only, not of his recovery. Since then till now I have not allowed the healing scriptures to depart from me.
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