Epaphroditus was a servant of Paul who traveled from Philippi to Rome to assist Paul during his imprisonment. While in Rome, Epaphroditus became deathly ill but God showed mercy and healed him. Paul praised Epaphroditus for his faithful service and sacrifice, calling him a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier. Epaphroditus longed to return to Philippi but was distressed that they had heard of his illness. Paul sent him back with this letter to assure the Philippians of Epaphroditus' recovery and worthiness of their high regard for risking his life to complete their service to Paul.
2 Corinthians 1, Comfort; Prosperity Affliction; Because You Prayed; OSAS, He...Valley Bible Fellowship
2 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul’s Most Personal Epistle; The Comfort Book; The Church of God; Who Is “the God of all comfort”?; Prosperity And Affliction; Because You Prayed; OSAS, He Is Able; Once Saved Always Saved
2 Corinthians 1, Comfort; Prosperity Affliction; Because You Prayed; OSAS, He...Valley Bible Fellowship
2 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul’s Most Personal Epistle; The Comfort Book; The Church of God; Who Is “the God of all comfort”?; Prosperity And Affliction; Because You Prayed; OSAS, He Is Able; Once Saved Always Saved
Don’t Forget to Remember, 2 Peter 1:12-21Rick Peterson
Don’t Forget to Remember, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Adapted from a David Owens sermon, http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=155432
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part Two) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART TWO
Audio Here
http://ad70.tv/video/107/the-new-history-of-full-preterism
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Journeys of paul the third journey and afterwardMark Pavlin
This slide deck study on the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the so-called Third Journey of St. Paul and his final days. It is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for their task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo".
This slide deck study on the New Testament Book of Acts and the life of Saint Paul is one of a series designed for conscientious teachers who lead a Bible study or Sunday School class but are too busy to research and prepare well for the task. Access a quality series of lessons that is engaging and challenging and do so even at the last moment, as it were, “to go”. More are in the works. Check back in the weeks ahead, Search using keyword "lessonstogo",
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part One) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART ONE
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
A verse by verse commentary on Acts chapter 7 dealing with Stephen's famous speech to the Sanhedrin, and their response that led to the stoning of Stephen.
Just a Note- The Short Letters of the New TestamentMark Pavlin
This slide deck study on the New Testament books of Philemon, Titus, Thessalonians, Peter, Jude, and John is one of a series designed for conscientious teachers who lead a Bible study or Sunday School class but are too busy to research and prepare well for the task. Access a quality series of 5 or more lessons that is engaging and challenging and do so even at the last moment, as it were, “to go”. More are in the works. Check back in the weeks ahead, Search using keyword "lessonstogo",
Jesus - the One I love
Let’s get to discuss a bit The Character of the One we love to follow
His Creativity
His Depth
His Righteousness
His Psychological insight
His Compassion
He’s Now Your Brother! Paul’s letter to PhilemonRick Peterson
He’s Now Your Brother! Paul’s letter to Philemon, Adapted from a Ron MacArthur sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=65907
Part 1 of a 4 part study on Paul's epistle to the Philippians. This epistle of brotherly love contains much helpful instruction as we seek to emulate Christ.
Don’t Forget to Remember, 2 Peter 1:12-21Rick Peterson
Don’t Forget to Remember, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Adapted from a David Owens sermon, http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=155432
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part Two) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART TWO
Audio Here
http://ad70.tv/video/107/the-new-history-of-full-preterism
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Journeys of paul the third journey and afterwardMark Pavlin
This slide deck study on the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the so-called Third Journey of St. Paul and his final days. It is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for their task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo".
This slide deck study on the New Testament Book of Acts and the life of Saint Paul is one of a series designed for conscientious teachers who lead a Bible study or Sunday School class but are too busy to research and prepare well for the task. Access a quality series of lessons that is engaging and challenging and do so even at the last moment, as it were, “to go”. More are in the works. Check back in the weeks ahead, Search using keyword "lessonstogo",
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part One) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART ONE
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
A verse by verse commentary on Acts chapter 7 dealing with Stephen's famous speech to the Sanhedrin, and their response that led to the stoning of Stephen.
Just a Note- The Short Letters of the New TestamentMark Pavlin
This slide deck study on the New Testament books of Philemon, Titus, Thessalonians, Peter, Jude, and John is one of a series designed for conscientious teachers who lead a Bible study or Sunday School class but are too busy to research and prepare well for the task. Access a quality series of 5 or more lessons that is engaging and challenging and do so even at the last moment, as it were, “to go”. More are in the works. Check back in the weeks ahead, Search using keyword "lessonstogo",
Jesus - the One I love
Let’s get to discuss a bit The Character of the One we love to follow
His Creativity
His Depth
His Righteousness
His Psychological insight
His Compassion
He’s Now Your Brother! Paul’s letter to PhilemonRick Peterson
He’s Now Your Brother! Paul’s letter to Philemon, Adapted from a Ron MacArthur sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=65907
Part 1 of a 4 part study on Paul's epistle to the Philippians. This epistle of brotherly love contains much helpful instruction as we seek to emulate Christ.
THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST
His Superior Purpose (1:1-3)
His Superior Personality (1:4)
His Superior Position (1:5-6)
His Superior Power (1:7-8)
His Superior Purity (1:9)
His Superior Perfection (1:10-14)
The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers who are facing trials and persecution. As we face the storms in our lives, Peter offers comfort and hope. This confident hope gives us the encouragement and enablement we need for daily living.
This slide deck study on the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the so-called Second Journey of St. Paul and is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for their task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo".
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
5. “ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”. Phil 2:5 *That’s high theology !
6. But the high theology in the world is meaningless unless it is put into action in ordinary lives – like Epaphroditus and like you and like me.
7. *The whole point of the Incarnation is putting the Divine (high theology) into a human life .
8. How is Jesus reflected in the day-to-day actions of our lives?
9. Phil 2:17-30 presents three men , all serving together in Rome, whose lives are exceptional patterns for godly living: Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus .
10. Paul might be described as the sacrificial rejoicer , Timothy as the single-minded sympathizer , and Epaphroditus as the loving gambler .
11. Paul would be thought of as a major actor while Timothy and Epaphroditus would be looked upon as supporting actors .
12. There are about 100 folks mentioned in Paul’s letters and in the book of Acts who helped him in his ministry.
13. Paul would not have been able to accomplish half of what he did without these 100 people to support him.
14. *Epaphroditus is one of those 100 whom God had prepared to help Paul. *He had traveled 700 miles (no motorized vehicles) to get there.
15. * Everything we know about Epaphroditus, we know from this little letter. *Although there is very little written about Epaphroditus in books here on earth,
16. there may be libraries in Heaven full of all the things that God accomplished through him.
17. EPAPHRODITUS : THE LOVING GAMBLER The third model spiritual servant described in 2:17-30 is Epaphroditus , another protégé of Paul's.
18. He was not an apostle and spiritual statesman such as Paul or even an elder like Timothy. There is no record of any outstanding work that he accomplished.
19. Nothing is known of his family, his personal background, his conversion, how long he had been a believer, or his specific functions in the churches at Philippi, Rome, or elsewhere .
20. Epaphroditus’ level of sacrificial service to the Lord is especially encouraging for the believer, for whom the examples of great preachers and pastors such as Paul and
22. Philippians 2:25-30 25 ) “But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus , my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier , who is also
23. your messenger and minister to my need; 26 ) because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
24. 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.
25. 28 ) Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.
26. 29 ) Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy , and hold men like him in high regard;
27. 30 ) because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” ( Philippians 2:25-30 )
28. 25 )“But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus , my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier ,” Phil 2:25
29. The name Epaphroditus means "favored by Aphrodite," the Greek goddess of love (whom the Romans called Venus),
30. indicating that, like Timothy he was probably born and educated in Greek culture . *The name was common and later came to mean " loving ”.
31. Although Epaphroditus was often abbreviated to Epaphras , there is no evidence he was the man by that name mentioned in Col 1:7 & 4:12(pastor in Colosse).
32. *Paul knew that it was time that Epaphroditus went back home, and in all probability he was the bearer of this letter. *But there was a problem.
33. The Philippian Church had sent Epaphroditus to stay with Paul, and if he came back home, there would not be lacking those who said that he was a quitter .
34. Here Paul gives him a carefully worded, tremendous testimonial which would silence any possible criticism of his return.
36. In using the pronoun “ my ”, Paul manifested a deep and loving relationship with this remarkable man. My brother, & fellow worker, & fellow soldier .
37. Paul ventured to call an ordinary and virtually unknown believer not only his brother, but also his fellow worker and fellow soldier in God’s service.
38. Epaphroditus was a brother , which means he knew the fellowship of the Gospel; a fellow-worker , which tied him to the furtherance of the Gospel;
39. and a fellow-soldier , which means he knew how to battle for the faith of the Gospel.
40. II Timothy 2:3-4 “ Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life,
41. so that he may please the One Who enlisted him as a soldier.” II Timothy 2:3-4
42. How easy it is for Christians to get out of balance ! *Some Christians think only of the fellowship and have no time to win souls or fight the enemy.
43. *Others are so wrapped up in service that they forget fellowship. *This was the mistake Martha made ( Luke 10:38-42 ).
44. *Still others are always fighting , so much so that they neglect the fellowship. *We need to be balanced Christians.
45. Epaphroditus exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice for the sake of Christ that involves no public acclaim, no prominence, no high office, no great talents .
46. He was not a noted preacher, teacher, or leader; therefore his example seems to be more relevant and attainable .
47. *Then Paul goes on to call him your messenger and the minister of my need. *It is impossible to supply the flavour of these words in translation.
48. *The word Paul uses for messenger is apostolos . * Apostolos literally means anyone who is sent out on an errand, but Christian usage had ennobled it and
49. by using it Paul by implication ranks Epaphroditus with himself and all the apostles of Christ.
50. *The word he uses for servant is leitourgos . *In secular Greek this was a magnificent word.
51. In the ancient days in the Greek cities there were men who, because they loved their city so much, at their own expense undertook certain great civic duties.
52. It might be to defray the expenses of an embassy, or the cost of putting on one of the dramas of the great poets, or of training the athletes who would
53. represent the city in the games, or of fitting out a warship and paying a crew to serve in the navy of the state.
54. These men were the supreme benefactors of the state and they were known as leitourgoi .
55. Paul takes the great Christian word apostolos and the great Greek word leitourgos , and applies them to Epaphroditus.
56. *"Give a man like that a welcome home ," he says. *"Hold him in honour for he hazarded his life for Christ."
57. *Paul is making it easy for Epaphroditus to go home. *There is something very wonderful here.
58. It is touching to think of Paul, himself in the very shadow of death, in prison and awaiting judgment, showing such Christian concern for Epaphroditus.
59. He was facing death, and yet it mattered to him that Epaphroditus should not meet with embarrassment when he went home.
60. Paul was a true Christian in his attitude to others; for he was never so immersed in his own troubles that he had no time to think of the troubles of his friends .
61. 26 ) “because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.” Philippians 2:26
62. Epaphroditus knew that news of his illness had filtered back to Philippi, and he was distressed (his heart ached) because he knew that his friends there would
63. be worried about him. *He may unintentionally have become distracted to the point of being less useful to Paul.
64. He was not apprehensive about his life-threatening illness, but rather was distressed over their distress !
65. 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.” (2:27)
66. The Philippians had good reason to be worried about Epaphroditus's health, because he had been sick to the point of death .
67. Astheneo ( was sick ) translates a compound verb composed of the negative - a (“without”) and sthenos ("strength") and literally means " without strength ."
68. In Rome Epaphroditus fell ill, perhaps with the notorious Roman fever which sometimes swept the city like a scourge, and was near to death.
69. *Had God not had mercy on him, he would have died . *It is interesting that, although Paul once had exercised the gift of healing (Acts 28:8),
70. he evidently did not use it to heal Epaphroditus — perhaps because the era of miraculous apostolic signs was nearly over (2 Tim 4:20).
71. Many sincere believers today hold the theory that Christians should not be sick, that they should trust God to heal them.
72. *Epaphroditus was so sick he almost died! *Why didn't Paul heal Epaphroditus?
73. Paul and the other apostles had " sign gifts " because they did not have what we have today, the New Testament!
74. When Paul started out with the Gospel message, nothing of the New Testament had been written.
75. *Paul himself wrote 1 Thess, the first book of the New Testament to be penned. *When he went into a new territory with his message, what was his authority ?
76. He had no authority, except sign gifts , which included the gift of healing.
77. *But now Paul is nearing the conclusion of his ministry. *You will remember that Paul had a thorn in the flesh which the Lord Jesus would not remove.
78. *Instead, Jesus gave Paul the grace to bear it . *Then you remember that Timothy had stomach trouble .
79. *If Paul had been a faith healer , wouldn’t he have healed Timothy? *Actually, Paul told him to take a little wine for his stomach's sake.
80. *And in 2Timothy 4:20 he said that he had left Trophimus sick at Miletus. * Why hadn't he healed him?
81. And now Paul says he has this young believer, Epaphroditus, with him and he was so sick he almost died.
82. *Paul didn't heal him. *Rather, he gives all the credit to God ; he says that God had mercy on him . *His healing came about in a natural sort of way.
83. God heals in one of three ways: *Directly *Indirectly *Delayed
84. *Paul made it a matter of prayer , and God heard and answered his prayers. * Why hadn't Paul used his gift of healing?
85. Because at this late stage, even before the apostles disappeared from the scene, the emphasis was moving back to the Great Physician .
86. When God spares a person from death it is always a reflection of His mercy .
87. The two blind men who begged Jesus to restore their sight realized that their only hope was through His mercy . (Matthew 9:27)
88. *Their initial cry, in fact, was for mercy , not healing. *Similarly, the ten lepers first cry to the Lord was, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us , " (Luke 17:12-13).
89. In the same way, the Canaanite woman, the man with the deranged son, and the blind beggar Bartimaeus all came to Jesus asking first for mercy .
90. God in his mercy spared the life of Epaphroditus and so spared Paul yet more sorrow (in addition to being imprisoned).
91. 28 ) “Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.” Phil 2:28
92. Despite the personal loss he would experience, Paul gladly sent Epaphroditus back even though the Philippians had not asked that he be sent back.
93. *He knew that his loss would be their gain. *And their joy in having Ephaphroditus back in their fellowship would bring Paul relief .
94. *Paul wanted them to rejoice , not sorrow. So “that I may be less concerned about you" -- he was disturbed about the church in Philippi because it
96. 29 ) “Therefore receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his
97. life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” Philippians 2:29
98. *Such is the remarkable power and reward of selfless love . *Paul, Epaphroditus, and the believers in Philippi were indeed " of the same mind ,
99. maintaining the same love , united in spirit, intent on one purpose, doing nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind“ regarding one
100. another as more important than themselves; not merely looking out for their own personal interests, but also for the interests of others " (Phil 2:2-4).
101. *Paul selflessly exhorted the Philippians, “ receive him then in the Lord with all joy” * Prosdechomai (receive) refers to glad and favorable acceptance.
102. The Pharisees and scribes used this word derogatorily of Jesus' receiving and eating with those they considered vile sinners (Luke 15:2).
103. Jesus used it to describe the way that humble, childlike believers (Matt 18:5), faithful preachers of the Gospel, and the Gospel itself should be received .
104. 30 )“because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” Philippians 2:30
105. They were to hold Epaphroditus in high regard (v29) because he had risked his life (v30) in his service to Paul on behalf of the Philippians’ church.
106. That he was willing to go to Rome while Paul was still imprisoned also shows great courage .
107. Although Paul lived in his own rented quarters and could receive visitors, Epaphroditus understood that this situation could change overnight .
108. If Caesar decided that Paul was indeed a threat to him as had been charged, he would not hesitate to order his immediate execution.
109. That would put Paul's associates in danger of arrest, imprisonment, and perhaps execution. Epaphroditus knew that the risk he was taking was real.
110. There is a word in this passage which later had a famous usage.
111. The word is the verb paraboleuesthai (risking) ; it is a gambler's word and means “to stake everything”.
112. Risking translates a form of paraboleuomai , which literally means " to throw aside ."
113. It speaks of voluntarily hazarding one's welfare and thereby exposing oneself to danger .
114. Sometimes used of gambling , it is for that reason that the title of this section refers to Epaphroditus as “ The Loving Gambler “.
115. Paul is saying that for the sake of Jesus Christ Epaphroditus gambled his life .
116. With total disregard for his own welfare, Epaphroditus continually put his life on the line for the work of Christ.
117. Soon after New Testament times, a group of Christians banded together in an association they called Parabolani , which means " The Gamblers ."
118. In A.D. 252 plague broke out in Carthage; the heathen threw out the bodies of their dead and fled in terror.
119. Cyprian, the Christian bishop, gathered his congregation together and set them to burying the dead and nursing the sick in that plague-stricken city ;
120. and by so doing they saved the city, at the risk of their lives , from destruction and desolation.
121. Taking Epaphroditus as their model , they visited prisoners and ministered to the sick, especially those with dangerous communicable diseases
122. whom no one else would help. *They boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they w ent.
123. Perhaps Paul was here playing on the name Epaphroditus, which, as noted above, means " favored of Aphrodite ."
124. Because she was the goddess of gambling as well as of love , men would often cry out " Epaphroditus " as they cast the dice, hoping to be favored by her .
125. In stark contrast to those men, Epaphroditus was risking his life for something immeasurably more valuable than money .
126. *His life entailed much risk ; but it was really no gamble . *Without reservation, he could sincerely testify with Paul that "whatever things were gain to me, those
127. things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my
128. Lord, for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3:7-8).
129. There should be in the Christian an almost reckless courage which makes him ready to gamble with his life to serve Christ and men.
130. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.“ Jim Eliot October 28, 1949
131. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus were three very different individuals: Paul the bold, fearless leader; Timothy his quiet, devoted
133. Yet all three manifested the most important characteristic of a godly leader — a life worth imitating .
134. *It should send chills up and down our spines to read about these men. *They lived in the first century, at the time of the Roman Empire.
135. The empire of Caesar Augustus grew, moved out and took over the world.
136. *The law of Rome became supreme everywhere. *There was little mercy shown to anyone, but there was law and order everywhere.
137. There was not a power in that day that could protest against Rome.
138. Then there went out this little man, Paul the apostle, and those who were like-minded with him, and they preached a Gospel that there is a God of the
139. universe Who, through a redemption that He had wrought on a Roman cross , had provided mercy for mankind. Multitudes turned to the Lord Jesus in that day.
140. *Now in the book of Philippians, we see this little man , Paul the apostle, chained to a Roman soldier. *What is he doing?
141. *Well, he is witnessing for Christ, and he is rejoicing in the Lord. *He has the mind of Christ .
142. *Also we see a fine young man, Timothy , walking in that pagan city. *You say you cannot live for Christ in a godless society ?
143. *Well, look at Timothy! *He did very well. *He also had the mind of Christ .
144. Now take a look at Epaphroditus , a faithful believer way up yonder in the city of Philippi -- it was a Roman colony, but it was also a pagan, heathen city .
145. * Epaphroditus had the mind of Christ . *When we look at him, we need to say to ourselves: “ Stop making excuses in this day in which we are living!”
146. If these men could have the mind of Christ in the first century, surely today in the twentieth-first century right where we are now, you and I can have the mind of Christ .
147. By yielding to Him, the Spirit of God can produce in our own lives the mind of Christ . *Oh, how desperately this is needed in our day!