Philippians 2:25
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Original Language Analysis
ἡγησάμην
I supposed
G2233
ἡγησάμην
I supposed
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
3 of 22
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συστρατιώτην
fellowsoldier
G4961
συστρατιώτην
fellowsoldier
Strong's:
G4961
Word #:
10 of 22
a co-campaigner, i.e., (figuratively) an associate in christian toil
ἀπόστολον
messenger
G652
ἀπόστολον
messenger
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
14 of 22
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λειτουργὸν
he that ministered
G3011
λειτουργὸν
he that ministered
Strong's:
G3011
Word #:
16 of 22
a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρείας
wants
G5532
χρείας
wants
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
18 of 22
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
20 of 22
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
Cross References
Philippians 4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.Colossians 1:7As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;1 Corinthians 3:9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.Philippians 4:3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.Proverbs 25:13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.Philemon 1:24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;Colossians 4:11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Historical Context
Epaphroditus traveled from Philippi to Rome (800+ miles, dangerous journey) carrying the Philippians' gift to Paul. Ancient travel was slow, expensive, and perilous (bandits, shipwreck, illness). Churches commissioned delegates to represent them—Epaphroditus was Philippi's ambassador. He fell seriously ill in Rome (v. 27), possibly from travel hardships or ministry exertion. Paul sends him back with this letter.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of the five titles (brother, co-worker, fellow-soldier, messenger, minister) best describes your relationships in ministry?
- How does the military metaphor ('fellow-soldier,' systratiōtēn) shape your view of Christian life?
- Who has 'ministered to your wants' (leitourgon tēs chreias) sacrificially, and how have you honored them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants (Ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, Anankaion de hēgēsamēn Epaphroditon ton adelphon kai synergon kai systratiōtēn mou, hymōn de apostolon kai leitourgon tēs chreias mou, pempsai pros hymas)—Paul introduces Epaphroditus with five titles showing relationships:
Anankaion hēgēsamēn ("I considered it necessary") indicates urgency. Synergon ("co-worker") shows ministry partnership. Systratiōtēn ("fellow-soldier") uses military metaphor for spiritual warfare. Apostolon hymōn ("your apostle/messenger") means Philippian-commissioned delegate (not apostle in Paul's sense). Leitourgon tēs chreias mou ("minister of my need") shows Epaphroditus brought Philippians' financial support (4:18).
After Timothy (vv. 19-24), Paul commends Epaphroditus (vv. 25-30) as another Christ-hymn exemplar—risking life for others (v. 30).