4. Epaphroditus as an example of a submissive mind (25-30) Paul was a Jew, Timothy was half Jew and half Gentile, Epaphroditus was Gentile. Epaphroditus was a member of the Church of Philippi and was sent to Paul with a love offering 4:18. His Character. v.25 His Concern. v.26-28 His Commendation. v.29-30 V.25 a) Minister - Labouring servant. I. A minister has to be a: 1. Brother. (Fellowship of the Gospel) 1:5 2. Worker. (Furtherance of the Gospel) 1:12 3. Soldier. (Striving together for the faith of the Gospel) 1:27 4. Messenger. (Gr. apostolos) means Apostle but also translated as messenger II. To be effective in ministry and meet the needs of others. III. His need was a financial uplift. 4:15-18 V.26 b) Misery - Longing for all. I. Epaphroditus was in misery because he was concerned how his life affected others. II. The same longing Paul had to them 1:8, Epaphroditus had for them. V.27 c) Mercy - The Love of the Lord. When God heals it is for a 3-fold reason: 1. That man may understand His love. 2. That the sick will be healed. 3. To relieve the surrounding people. V.28 d) Merry - Less sorrowful. Paul was ready to let go that it might bring joy to them. V.29 e) Motivation - Like and Look out for these men. People can motivate us and bring joy but they can also bring sadness. People can be the thief of joy in our lives. V.30 f) Ministry - His Life and your Lacking. Aphrodite (Venus) was the goddess of gamblers. When a Greek threw the dice he would cry out "epaphroditos!" That means "favorite of Aphrodite." Epaphroditus' name may have connections with this custom. So Paul may have written that Epaphroditus risked his life as a play on his friend's name.