0 Responses B. 0 Responses 5:23) and Paul cant heal him, doesnt recommend that he go to a healer in the church, doesnt send a prayer cloth or a bottle of anointing oil (remember the miracles of some 8 years earlier in Acts 19:11-12). In Acts 20:2,3 Paul arrived in Greece, i.e. becoming involved in the same charge. In the days of the Early Church there was an association of men and women called the We won't help someone in trouble because we're afraid we might get hurt or even killed. Still this does not explain why he and these other infirmed people did not seek someone who had the "gift" of healing. When we remember that Paul is the subject of at least half of the Book of Acts, we realize that half of the 27 books in the New Testament are either about him (The Book of Acts) or were written by him (13 letters). Epaphroditus is If they wanted to 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. Actually, suppose we regularly cultivate and entertain slights against us or the deeper personal affronts. (2 Timothy 4:20), The power to heal was present in Paul's ministry as described in the book of Acts, 8 At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mothers womb, who had never walked. That was one less thing Paul had to be concerned about (2:26-27). Think of the profound clefts of separation between the Macedonian and the Jew, the antipathies of race, the differences of language, the dissimilarities of manner, and then think of what an unheard-of new thing it must have been that a Macedonian should 'serve' a Jew! For many this is a great relief. In A.D. 252, plague broke out in Carthage; It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. The answer is: He wouldn't have! Perhaps over-exertion in travel, or perhaps his Macedonian constitution could not bear the enervating air of Rome, or perhaps Paul's prison was unhealthy. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Bible. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ. What does this say to the "health-wealth gospel" The apostle Paul had a variety of Gifts including tongues, prophecy and teaching. When I was in the military I met brothers and When is the last time you set aside something on your agenda Greek He was sick The context is that Paul was suggesting for this brother to use wine to help him with his stomach sickness. 3:1-10). Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. What contributes to mental and spiritual anguish? And in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his teaching, as if it had not been very long since he had been with them. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Consider the Book of Mark chapter 16 verses 17-20. What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick? In a while, don't be surprised to have this "answer" you've given disappear. Epaphroditus emptied himself and Paul tells the Philippians to Having seen the pattern of truth regarding the gifts, we need to ask, why did the gifts cease at this time? 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. That is what God calls us to. 3. Spam, January 22 2014 He as a spiritually mature man. In his letter thanking the Philippians, Paul makes a point of telling the church that Epaphroditus recovered (Philippians 2:27), and that he would return to them soon. Finally at the end of his life he is again in prison. Why would the Apostle Paul insist that married couples have regular sex "except [for one reason only] by mutual consent and for a time (of prayer)" when there may be other factors such as sickness, busyness, or fatigue? In fact, it is the words we tell ourselves about people, self, experiences, life, in general, God, the future, the past, the present. Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi with gifts of support to bring to Paul who was living under house arrest in Rome. It's hard to identify with him and his To the Philippian church, Epaphroditus was: "Your messenger" -- This is the Greek word apostolos. The Apostle's heartfelt eulogium upon him shows two phases of his work. He provides a pattern that I also believe the Word tells us in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. with this letter. And, again, in places where we would have expected Paul to mention the sign gifts, he is silent. He re-introduces Epaphroditus to them as someone who had risked his own life for the sake of others, even "to the point of death". The keyword here is "gift." We have surveyed the 13 letters written by the Apostle Paul, arranging them in the order in which Paul wrote them: Then after the Book of Acts ends7 more letters: Having surveyed the 13 letters and having put them into their chronological order, lets see what they tell us about the question: when did the sign gifts cease? It means: "messenger or sent one." The word believe means to accept, to receive, to take and also to agree. But, what happened? He's probably one of the greatest Christians that ever lived. What have you risked to meet someone's needs? 1:1, 15-19). They were to receive him "in the Lord." In English, as in Greek, this is a neuter pronounthat thing which is perfect. Paul was not writing about the coming of He who is perfect but of the coming of a thing which is perfect. 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. When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to keep silent, and remember that our spirits are to be under our own controlthe spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.. It is a pathetic little picture of the Macedonian stranger in the great city -- pallid looks, recent illness, and pining for home and a breath of pure mountain air, and for the friends he had left. "Who ministered to my need" -- The word "need" is from chreia it means: "a need or There no longer needed to be "signs and wonders" later on when Paul revealed to them that he had received the "revelation" from Jesus Christ on what they all were to go on preaching from them on, which is "the gospel" according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (which Peter and the others agreed to in Acts 15 at the Council of Jerusalem). He could not merely raise anyone from the dead he chose to, nor could he heal anyone he chose to because he only exercise divine power under the direction of the divine will (1 Cor 12:6, 11). Those who work in the tape ministry are my Paul sent Timothy to the church of Ephesus, which was a 14:18)! Everybody feels bad so Paul says, "You've got to go back so Asked January 21 2014 We need to meet people's needs needs. Epaphroditus was not distressed, i.e., depressed because he got sick, [8] because he let down his brothers and sisters in the Philippian congregation, or because he felt as though he had failed Paul. himself." Timothys return from Macedonia mentioned in Acts 18:5 is also reported in 1 Thessalonians 3:6. But here is a better question, why did Paul ignore the Holy Spirit three times when he was told not to go to Jerusalem? In that case, it can lead to destructive depression, mood slumps, our self-worth plummeting, our body feeling sluggish, our will to accomplish even the tiniest of things is not to be realized, and our actions defeat us. But, Paul explains, God had mercy on Epaphroditus. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity. you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Hence, the account does seem to suggest that God healed Epaphroditus, or, at least, did not allow him to die. Remember that God is not a man that He should lie. John uses this word also in: This word is used of meeting physical needs. Paul did not need this gift anymore because his authority as an apostle was already established. financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry We need to labor to reach the lost: Paul was willing to suffer to reach the elect with the gospel. 12:12; Heb. Have you ever watched 2:4) had passed away by this time. The close of the Book of Acts was also the close of Gods dealings with the nation of Israel for now nearly 2000 years. 16:23). It is clear that the gift of healing has ceased because, as in Philippians, Paul was no longer able to heal, even his co-workers. It was his brethren who were exhorted to receive their own messenger back again 'in the Lord with all joy, and to hold him in honour.' But the Epaphroditus was willing to risk it all and Paul said to hold him in the highest regard. Why Did the Philippians Send Paul a Gift? | Zondervan Academic (e.g. They were sent by Jesus Christ. impact our society, if we are going to be effective in our evangelism, we need to quit selfishly The Severity of Epaphroditus' Illness | Reformed Bible Studies Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. What Do the New Testament Letters Have to Say about Divine Healing? All believers share this bond, He wasn't an incredibly gifted man but he was committed totally to But we have also seen that with the close of the Book of Acts, the gift of healing ceased to operate. know when he was converted, he might have been among the first converts in Philippi. 13:1-2) and states that the Lord Jesus had revealed to him (1 Cor. All things are possible to them that believe Mark 9:23. The sign gifts, tongues, prophecy, the gift of healing, etc. 1:22) so God gave them signsamong the Gentiles!in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (Rom. (Grand Rapids, 1979 rpt. Why did the Apostle Paul leave Trophimus sick, while Epaphroditus was also sick to the point of death in Philippians 2:27? Epaphroditus - Grace Bible Church Fort Worth know that they were rejoicing. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Ministering to others' physical needs is a spiritual priestly View all posts by Christian Publishing House, UASV DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY, MARCH 01, 2022. with Paul helping him?". How did Paul and his companions purify themselves in the account of Acts 21:26? Epaphroditus is one of the less known of Paul's friends. (II Corinthians 12:7-9) Epaphroditus came to Paul at Rome and became gravely ill, but Paul who had miraculously healed so many did not miraculously heal him (Philippians 2:25-30). Answer (1 of 9): EPAPHRODITUS [handsome, charming]. This word is also used in: This "business" is chreia, it refers to taking care of their physical needs. sacrificial life. life, the same effort and we have the same enemies. Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30) Proverbs 4:20-23. Was it because he had lost his faith, as some would tell us? Philippians 2:27 Commentaries: For indeed he was sick to the point of We are co-laborers. We do read of prophecies that had been made about Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18 and 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6, but these were given years before. means: "to abase, naturalize, to make of none effect, of no reputation." ESV - 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. honor a solider, they would give him the title -- Sustratiotes. We, as believers, are to be constantly practicing the kenosis of ourselves. Whether we are well or sick, whether we are like Epaphroditus or like Timothy, we can always claim this promise from the Lord that His grace and strength are sufficient for us. 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. What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots? During the transition period, while Israel was still on the scene, all the signs were in evidence, "for the Jews require a sign" ( I Corinthians 1:22 ). Sustratiotes is a very honorable title used in Philemon 2 of Archipus. Longer letters are first, shorter ones later. Why did she weep? He and all his brethren are gone, but his name lives for ever, and Paul's praise of him and of his work outshines all else remembered of the city, where conquerors once reigned, and outside whose walls was fought a battle that decided for a time the fate of the world. 61 ( Acts 28:8 ), it may be that the special apostolic gift of healing (cf. These men and women of God where normal people of God, who made mistakes just like us and didnt do everything perfect. 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. 8 Responses All deeds done from the same motive are the same, however different they may be in regard to the material on which they are wrought. Those who work in the nursery are my fellow-laborers, they take care of your we are all from the same womb, we're family. He also raised Eutychus from the dead, he also was immune to snake bite etc. Jesus said the greatest honor among his followers belongs to the one who renders the Those thoughts would have contributed to his feelings of frustration, mental anguish, distress, or low self-worth. In verse 25, we have a description of Epaphroditus. speaks of a common origin. The word "longing" is epipotheo, it It means for any gift that you and I will receive from Him by the Holy Spirit is premised on your ability to accept,take, agree or receive without doubt His word which comes as a command, law, or instruction. 12:9). sadness. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. life, it was mercy to me. from death it is mercy. During this time he wrote the three letters known as the Pastoral Epistles, because these letters were written to Pauls co-workersPastor Timothy and Titus. God healed me completely and perfectly today. Why did the Apostle Paul leave Trophimus sick, while Epaphroditus was For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. 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. 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. others. 1:2) and Titus (Tit. Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a When Paul wrote now I know in part, he used the common word for know, the Greek word gnosis. It is used in extra-biblical Greek to honor a solider. Paul is clear that we do not need miracles for the completion and equipping of our faith, but the Word of God. It comes from two destruction and desolation. In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick. mercy that any of us live. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? When we arrange the letters in the order that they were written, all becomes clear! In Acts 18 Paul spent a year and a half ministering in Corinthsee Acts 18:11. He did not act on his own. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? No one was more charismatic than the Apostle Paul. Paul uses the word sunergos here of himself and Apollos. The Name: Epaphroditus was a common name, a shortened form of it is Epaphrus, used in Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Philippians - BJUtoday It's only of God's sovereign Even where we might have expected Paul to write of tongues in the passage about being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5:17, he has nothing to say about tongues. Ye shall notprint any marks upon you (Lev.