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Philippians 2:
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly,
that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father
he served with me in the gospel.
Throughout his epistles, Paul conveys a profound love for the Congregations he birthed and cared for. Yet there were few that he felt could be entrusted with sound doctrine. Because of his two letters to Timothy, we know quite a lot about his relationship with Paul. Another brother who plays an important role in Paul's ministry was Epaphras.
25 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;
26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because
you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him,
and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again
you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30 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.
Wow! Paul was not shy about making the pointed comment to a Congregation. While he acknowledged their concern for the well being of Epaphras, he also held them in his debt, as they could have relieved his burden.
In the circles where I have had fellowship, the role of Epaphras is referred to as being an armor bearer. I had the privilege of serving a missionary evangelist and his wife and five children for a season. There is a unique Anointing of intercessions in such a role, with the opportunity to witness your prayers bear fruit as you minister.
To be a laborer in the background is a powerful place of ministry, and many faithful wives have found themselves in such a place, and by their intercessions played a key role in "making the man".
Epaphras provides us a golden prayer of intercession, which can be found in the letter to the Colossians.
Colossians 4:
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand
perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you,
and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
I have prayed this simple prayer thousands of times for the saints
throughout the world, and for all of you.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly,
that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father
he served with me in the gospel.
Throughout his epistles, Paul conveys a profound love for the Congregations he birthed and cared for. Yet there were few that he felt could be entrusted with sound doctrine. Because of his two letters to Timothy, we know quite a lot about his relationship with Paul. Another brother who plays an important role in Paul's ministry was Epaphras.
25 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;
26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because
you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him,
and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again
you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30 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.
Wow! Paul was not shy about making the pointed comment to a Congregation. While he acknowledged their concern for the well being of Epaphras, he also held them in his debt, as they could have relieved his burden.
In the circles where I have had fellowship, the role of Epaphras is referred to as being an armor bearer. I had the privilege of serving a missionary evangelist and his wife and five children for a season. There is a unique Anointing of intercessions in such a role, with the opportunity to witness your prayers bear fruit as you minister.
To be a laborer in the background is a powerful place of ministry, and many faithful wives have found themselves in such a place, and by their intercessions played a key role in "making the man".
Epaphras provides us a golden prayer of intercession, which can be found in the letter to the Colossians.
Colossians 4:
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand
perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you,
and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
I have prayed this simple prayer thousands of times for the saints
throughout the world, and for all of you.
