why did paul not heal epaphroditus

The reason why Paul didn't heal Trophimus is because he no longer had the 'gift' of healing. Dreadnoughts are a peculiar expression of the brotherhood of men after nineteen centuries of so-called Christianity. We need to reach out and take back three areas of toil that used to be so much a part No one was more charismatic than the Apostle Paul. He tells us in verses 26-28. The church, however, was not to think of Epaphroditus as second best. Because the tomb was empty! It means: "messenger or sent one." It's only of God's sovereign We are co-laborers. Welcome to BHSE! The gift of healing by the laying on of hands, etc., was no longer needed, because that particular gift was a gift for a sign to the Jews! I think that in our day the church has lost the ergos, the work, toil, or effort that we should be What did the apostle Paul use the gift of tongues for? John 1:12 ). All we can do is guess. 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.' Why would he just leave him there sick, if he still had the gift of laying on of hands to heal someone? It has an interesting The gifts were all in operation all through the Book of Acts period and are mentioned in the letters written during that time, but the Lord had revealed that the sign gifts were going to cease at some time in the future. same meaning10-as Epaphroditus is the leitourgos of Paul's chreia, which word also refers to a monetary lack in 4: 16 (and cf. In Acts 18 Paul spent a year and a half ministering in Corinthsee Acts 18:11. This illness, as we will see in tomorrows study, occurred as Epaphroditus journeyed from Philippi to Rome with the gift for Paul, and it was so severe that word of it had spread back to the Philippian Christians (v. 26). The difficulty of communication would sufficiently account for the partial intelligence. (Phil. We are to fear God and Him alone. What have you risked to meet someone's needs? Did Paul's handkerchief heal sick people (Acts 19:11-12)? Those who couldn't be I don't really understand the question from your first comment. Hence, the account does seem to suggest that God healed Epaphroditus, or, at least, did not allow him to die. In Galatians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 12,13,14, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 12:6in all these letters we read about the gifts in operation right through to the end of the Book of Acts. 2. function. The word of God is very clear on every subject. Here is Epaphroditus, the loving gambler, risking it all to minister to Paul's needs. Ye shall notprint any marks upon you (Lev. View all posts by Christian Publishing House, Epaphroditus, Paul and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:25-30, SCROLL THROUGH DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW, King James Version Versus Modern Translations, NT Versions (Latin, Syriac, Coptic, etc. It is a gambling term. In that he had heard about the seeds of division that had been planted in the church at Philippi. 0 Responses Yes: Paul clearly had the gift of healing yet his friend almost died and he didn't heal him. It was actually unusual for people to recover from serious illnesses, and we get a glimpse of this reality in todays passage. This word is only used two other times in the New Testament, both of them of Christ (e.g. Paul had to do a very trusted voice to help Epaphroditus offset his irrational thinking and replace it with rational thoughts, resulting in Epaphroditus actually changing his mood. The gifts of tongues, prophecy, etc. Thanks. For instance if I have a gift of Knowledge does that mean every person I see I will do know things about them. This word is also used in: This "business" is chreia, it refers to taking care of their physical needs. 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". What we do know for sure is that Epaphroditus illness was so severe that he almost died (v. 27). All our information about him is contained in this context, and in a brief reference in Chapter iv. The word "longing" is epipotheo, it delivering the money and someone who would work so closely with the apostle would have to be Christ, but they were apostles of the churches: Epaphroditus was an apostle of the church of Philippi. Thanks for listening. Keyword: "IF". Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1992). I waited several days until I began to get better before I let her know I was the average person can relate to. What he had not yet received in 1 Corinthians 13, he now has. In the We need to stop trying to Interpret the scriptures by the intellectual and allow the Holy Spirit who is in you give you the Revelation Spiritually. When is the last time that this happened to you? He speaks of Epaphroditus' recovery as a mercy to himself 'lest he should have the sorrow of imprisonment increased by the sorrow of his friend's death.' There is no record in Scripture of any of the sign gifts operating in any of the letters that Paul wrote after the end of the Acts period, and it is clear that the gift of healing had ceased since Paul could no longer heal even his closest co-workers after the close of the Book of Acts. been painful. know when he was converted, he might have been among the first converts in Philippi. Why would he just leave him there sick, if he still had the gift of laying on of hands to heal someone? life like it is something they deserve. looked at it as "spiritual worship." fulfilling our mission statement: "To influence friends who are living in spiritual darkness that involved in. This Pages 482-483. The word "reputation" is the Greek word kenoo, it means: "to make empty." And this will we do, if God permit." Before the end of the Book of Acts, during the Acts period, and in the letters written during the Acts period, the Lord had only revealed part of the dispensation of grace (Eph. Some people talk about health and He is a co-worker, it's speaking of common effort, diligence. But with the close of Acts, God sets aside Israel for a time, and when God gave up on the sign people for a time, the sign gifts passed out of His program. 29 Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. 1000 Chattanooga Street The Philippian church would not have trusted a novice with No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? and they sure wouldn't have sent a lazy man. Paul is clear that we do not need miracles for the completion and equipping of our faith, but the Word of God. Figuratively, it Once saved, his spirit is completely made Brand New, is this not a miracle? We don't 3:1-10). were operating all through the Book of Acts, and these gifts are mentioned in the letters that Paul wrote during the Acts period. All things are possible to them that believe Mark 9:23. [3] After dealing with his sickness, which caused him to delay his efforts to help Paul, he traveled on to Rome. And are we offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through our service? But he suns himself in the thought of the Philippians' joy, and in the hope that some reflection of it will travel across the seas to him, and make him, if not wholly glad, at any rate 'the less sorrowful.'. Why is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? The ship sails across the track of the moonlight, and then vanishes ghost-like into darkness. with Paul helping him?". jesus also was moved with compassion many times.the main purpose is to trust him and have faith he will do what is best for us. The fact that Paul performed many miracles means that he exercised divine power at the behest of the divine will. This is uncomfortable to hear, isn't it? This isn't to say that God doesn't or won't heal today, because this is obviously not true, but the "laying on of hands" by a man (as a 'gift') has all but ceased, and yet there are still 'healing teachers' out there in the world today teaching a false gospel, having "healing revivals" that come to nought, etc. When it came, then the gifts which were only in part would cease. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. He never allows us to suffer something that He doesnt give us the strength to live through. For those people, he believed it was best to get married and satisfy their urges legally. die!" He heals according to His will today. Paul would go on to write 13 letters in the New Testamentfrom the Letter to the Romans to the Letter to Philemon. Paul could no longer heal anyonenot Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, not Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23, not Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20. Healing was a sign gift that I believe faded away as the great commission was accomplished. Paul holds them up as The name later came to mean: May we not further draw from Paul's words here a lesson as to the honour due to Christian workers? 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. the important thing to remember is these gifts occur when the the Holy Spirit is working in us and we are fully submitted to his will. In verse 25, we have a description of Epaphroditus. I have had people want to debate on this wine issue by saying that "wine isn't medicine," which is to split hairs (weak rebuttal that holds no ground). We are not to fear people, they can't hurt you. history, used all through the LXX to refer to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the (Phil. What sort of strategies would a medieval military use against a fantasy giant? 9 This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be [f]made well, 10 said with a loud voice, Stand upright on your feet. And he leaped up and began to walk. 1:11,12) that a time was coming when these sign gifts were going to cease to operate. Epaphroditus is also called: "The one who ministered to my need" -- The word "minister" is leitourgos. Three relate to his relationship with Paul and his return to Philippi. (Many of these 'teachers' are a part of the 'Word of Faith' movement, the Properity Gospel crowd, et al, that teach that positive confession is necessary for having what you want or "claim," and they teach that if you do not get healed, or if you get sick or have any sort of malady, this means that you don't "have enough faith." This word is used 13 times in the New Testament, 12 by Paul of people who work with him in All this was done in a church in Austin, Texas with an Evangelist from Virginia working through the Gifts of the Spirit, ie, Word of Knowledge, working of miracles, gifts of healing. He wrote to the Corinthian church that they came behind no other church when it came to the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. John uses this word also in: This word is used of meeting physical needs. The news reached Philippi in some round-about way, and, as it appears, the news of his illness only, not of his recovery. So if you're not dead, how could you ever complain (verse 14). The Lord does the same thing for us today, although the little blessings He provides often go unnoticed. Hello Restlee, welcome to BHSE, so glad to have you here! The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? But when Epaphroditus fell sicknear to deathPaul was no longer able to heal him because the gift of healing had ceased to operate. Paul uses the word sunergos here of himself and Apollos. So Epaphroditus was sent to take care of Paul because Paul was imprisoned under house arrest, and in the end Epaphroditus became a burden to Paul because he almost died and Paul had to. Epaphroditus was distressed because the Philippians were distressed over his terrible illness. Christ. Bulk update symbol size units from mm to map units in rule-based symbology. Edward D. Andrews wrote. I mean, I was a 1% biker, I did many many bad things which I will not glorify. He wasn't distressed because he was sick but because the Arranging Pauls letters in the order that he wrote them allows us to see the pattern of truth that is found in the Word of God: The sign gifts were operating in Acts and in all of the Acts Epistles: Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans. Clarify If so, then what I meant was that God working a certain miracle through a particular individual in a specific situation, is not quite the same as God hinting that He will, from that moment forward, constantly perform miracles for anyone, and at any given time, through that person. And they did, because in the letters written after the Book of Acts, the sign gifts had ceased, just as the Lord said that they would. It is a compound word from Actually, suppose we regularly cultivate and entertain slights against us or the deeper personal affronts. A shoulder-to-shoulder fighting Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. So, in short, Epaphroditus grew sick on his 600-mile journey to Rome, to the point of death, which delayed him from fulfilling his mission of helping Paul. We need to meet people's needs Those who work in the nursery are my fellow-laborers, they take care of your His letter to the Philippians was just one of four "Prison Epistles" written during this time. What to do? sisters in Christ in other countries. However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. necessity, that which is lacking." Of all the inhabitants of Philippi at that time we know the names of but three, Euodias, Syntiche, and Epaphroditus, and we owe them all to Paul. [7] Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. In the remainder of this sermon we shall simply deal with the two figures which the text sets before us, and we may look first at the glimpses of Paul's character which we get here. Speakers: Pastor Ricky Kurth, Pastor Don HosfeldDetails, "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping" (John 20:11). and stand against the social evils of our day. the proclamation of the gospel effective. We are to follow the example of Christ who "emptied But Paul feels bad because Epaphroditus feels bad, because the Philippians examples yet they all experienced sickness. Proverbs 4:20-23. That attitude of mind stands in striking contrast to the heroism which said, 'To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,' but the two are perfectly consistent, and it was a great soul which had room for them both. Was it perhaps meant to ask for a clarification of my own comment ? The kenosis of Christ is the attitude that he had that led him to divest himself of any concern for Epaphroditus felt extreme guilt as though he had failed in his mission from the Philippian congregation, having to let them down, so he grew depressed. We as Berean Bible Church need to work at One of the most celebrated goddesses of the ancient world. We'd like to help. ministry. other words, they were to receive him as the Lord would receive him. We must not leave unnoticed the beautiful self-abnegation which sends off Epaphroditus as soon as he was well enough to travel, as a gift of the Apostle's love, in order to repay them for what they had done for him. 1:22) so God gave them signsamong the Gentiles!in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (Rom. This gives us the manner in which the Philippians should receive him and why. But when we turn to the letters written after the Book of Actsthe 4 Prison Epistles, and the 3 Pastoral Epistles, we find that the sign gifts either arent mentioned at all or we seeas with the gift of healingthat they were no longer operating in Pauls life. fellow laborers, they send out what I teach to others around the country. They labor in setting up the Everybody feels bad so Paul says, "You've got to go back so It appears my previous comment has been deleted, no explanation why. He says that Epaphroditus risked his life to 'supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.' Is there a solutiuon to add special characters from software and how to do it, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain. Clearly "Epaphroditus" was a brave man, for anyone who proposed to offer himself as the personal attendant of a man awaiting trial on a capital charge was laying himself open to the very . Paul did not need this gift anymore because his authority as an apostle was already established. This study focuses on that questionwhen did the sign gifts cease? 0 Responses That was one less thing Paul had to be concerned about (2:26-27). The first fact about him is, that he was one of the Philippian Christians, and sent by them to Rome, with some pecuniary or material help, such as comforts for Paul's prison-house, food, clothing, or money. By that I 'The cup of cold water' given 'in the name of a disciple' is grateful to the lips of the Master. I was having shortness of breath and others things like palpitations, light headedness,insomnia and all that. This is the depth of love and care. empty ourselves to make ourselves of no reputation. And, again, in places where we would have expected Paul to mention the sign gifts, he is silent. To summarise, Paul was a servant of God; Paul's spiritual gifts did not make God a servant of Paul. Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi with gifts of support to bring to Paul who was living under house arrest in Rome. Epaphroditus' service to Paul was a spiritual priestly function. Timothy was suffering stomach problems and frequent infirmities (1 Tim. speaks of a common origin. That makes Galatians the earliest of Pauls letters. This is a self-less man. think is a good description of the Christian life in: This is what the Christian's life is all about, building and battling. Since this book never appeared as Continue Reading, Under the Law of Moses, Gods people in Israel were told sickness-- but their concern. Weak in the faith is another use. If we are going to Consider the Book of Mark chapter 16 verses 17-20. Have you taken the tour of our site yet? at after carefully weighing the facts. deliver the money and leave, he was to stay and to minister to Paul's needs. God owes us nothing! I subscribe to the view that the reason is because the gifts that he was performing in the early days was a "sign to the Jews"; not all spiritual gifts are still in operation today; or, they aren't necessarily "needed." A worker must be a warrior, in the work of the gospel you encounter many foes. for a possible gain. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul extra gifts to help the Apostle bear his sorrows. God heals when it's in His will to heal; the difference is that the gift of healing (a man laying on of hands with instant healing) has ceased, and 2) so has the gift of tongues (it's no longer needed, but if it is used, I believe that God will allow it to occur, only when the church is edified, and only when there is an interpreter amidst the assembly! (See below left). What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots? The pattern could not be clearer, and the contrast could not be sharper between the earlier letters and the later letters, between the time when all the sign gifts were operating, and the time when all the sign gifts had ceased. Why would he not heal his friend? sacrificial life. 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). So far as we read in these three letters, we wouldnt even know that there had been a gift of tongues.. Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV). What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? of the church. The problem with the death of a believer is that the separation hurts. PHILIPPIANS 2:25-30Some Bible scholars have asked the question, why was Paul not able to heal his coworker, Epaphroditus? He was given the assignment of delivering a gift to Paul and staying with Paul for a time, assisting him in whatever way he could in his difficult times. The power of working miracles, like that of foreseeing the future (comp. 16:23). honor him. we don't know. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. well established church, to straighten out their doctrine. Every breath that you take, every beat of your heart is mercy. If Epaphroditus were 'received in the Lord,' there would be no foolish and hurtful adulation of him, nor prostration before him, but he would be recognised as but the instrument through which the true Helper worked, and not he, but the Grace of Christ in him would finally receive the praise. he was sick. theological term "kenosis.". The summary of the whole thing I have written here is that if you believe in the word of God all things are possible. Little is known about Epaphroditus (much less than Timothy). Therefore, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with his letter to the Philippians so that they could stop worrying and rejoice too (2:25-30). It is used in extra-biblical Greek to honor a solider. Epaphroditus. In our ministry, we (my wife and I) operate in the Gifts of the Spirit almost every Sunday and Wednesday. Paul would Epaphroditus becomes ill and almost dies. First-century life, however, was far different. you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. Those who work in the tape ministry are my In Acts 13,14 Paul and Barnabas went on their first apostolic journey which took them into Galatiacities like Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, etc. 3:3,4,9 and Col. 1:26,27, etc.). We both received mercy. We never want to diminish the pain of our suffering, but, during times of trouble, we should also remember the ways God is sustaining us. The order of these first six books is: In Acts 21 Paul was arrested and remained a prisoner through to Acts 28, and beyond. Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. Paul was quick to send Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. Since no exercise of the gift of healing is recorded past about ?._. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Though Paul had the gift of healing, he did not heal this individual. Although many people have concerns about the cost of healthcare, the vast majority of people in our culture still have access to antibiotics and other medications that can cure ailments that were almost certainly death sentences only a few decades ago. . life, the same effort and we have the same enemies. Paul was the prisoner and enemy of Rome. others. Since then till now I have not allowed the healing scriptures to depart from me. great opposition." They were to receive him "in the Lord." Have you ever watched 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. 14:18)! with this letter. She's the It is what we tell ourselves; it is what we think about events, what people say, and circumstances that contribute to our mental distress, anxiety, or depression. What is the correct way to screw wall and ceiling drywalls? How was the preaching of Christ supposed to add more afflictions to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:15? 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. Epaphroditus wasn't the only friend There would be many ways of serving the captive, looking after his comfort, doing his errands, procuring daily necessaries, managing affairs, perhaps writing his letters, easing his chain, chafing his aching wrists, and ministering in a thousand ways which we cannot and need not specify. If you haven't already, please make sure to take our tour, to get yourself familiar with the site and to see how we're a little different than other sites. But Paul uses leitourgos here. In believing the word of God, you have to. Paul put the needs of the Philippians ahead of his own. self, to give of himself wholly to others. is not an official title. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. 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. He had the heart of a servant-- he was most likely a deacon. We are to Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Paul sees Epaphroditus' ministry to him as 13:1-2) and states that the Lord Jesus had revealed to him (1 Cor. Gods sparing of Epaphroditus life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. He wasn't an incredibly gifted man but he was committed totally to Hello Uche Ogu, welcome to BHSE, glad to have you with us! Let us hope he got safe back to his friends, and as Paul bade them, they received him in the Lord with all joy, the echoes of which we almost hear as he passes out of our knowledge. In fact, we are so accustomed to recovering from sickness that we are often surprised when we or others take a long time to get over what we regard as routine illnesses. 4: 19 . parabolani, the gamblers. It only takes a minute to sign up. to meet someone's need? 1. him to the Philippians so they would rejoice to see that he was okay. Ministering to others' physical needs is a spiritual priestly What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. They sent him money to meet his physical needs. And he urged those married couples to have relations often, rather than living together celibately. But the Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. sacrificial. Vote Up And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. sick. He also raised Eutychus from the dead, he also was immune to snake bite etc. Hardly. God healed me of heart disease. who were ill with dangerous and infectious diseases. 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. The question has always been: when? Paul was saved in Acts 9 when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. The congregation in Philippi loved this man so much, they did not want him to die. "Epaphroditus is here to do what you can't do because you're so far away.". Historians tell us that he had a very common name. If our hearts are set to 'hallow all we find,' the most secular duties will be acts of worship. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. Epaphroditus is one of us, which makes his example very powerful and very convicting to us. We need to work hard in intellectual areas; we need to toil in study. What needless sorrows follow in the Continue Reading, (The following is the first of a series of articles drawn from Pastor Stam's book, Our Great Commission, What Is It? Chesapeake, VA 23322. View our current career opportunities. A caressing hand on a horse's neck is better than a whip. June 11th 2000, I came to the Lord, He healed me of lung cancer, irreversible nerve damage caused by my lifestyle and replaced 3 discs in my lower back that were gone: vertebra rubbing vertebra. We are to be working to 4:18), fell ill around the time Paul wrote to the Philippians (2:2526). In verse 26, Paul used the Greek word ( admone), to define/explain Epaphroditus situation/condition, which means to be distressed and troubled [i.e., depressed], with the probable implication of anguish, to be troubled, to be upset, to be distressed.[4] In other words, Epaphroditus had become subject to extreme mental and spiritual distress, to the point of being depressed. Once on his way again, he was distressed, i.e., depressed because he continued to entertain and cultivate such irrational thoughts as. words, soon means: "with" and ergos means: "work, toil or labor." Epaphroditus is 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. It was still only in part during the Acts period, but with the close of the Book of Acts, the Lord completed the revelation of the Mystery (see Eph. means: "to abase, naturalize, to make of none effect, of no reputation." Answer (1 of 9): EPAPHRODITUS [handsome, charming]. [8] Astheneo means to be sick and, as a result, in a state of weakness and incapacityto be sick, to be ill, to be disabled. Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 269. MM[6] cites the word in the papyri in the sense excessively concerned and holds that it would suggest originally bewilderment. The combination makes it clear that Jesus was in great distress of spirit.[7]. January 23 2014 Report When he recovers, Paul sends him back to Philippi 0 Responses Amen. messages that he preached. What year did Ezra leave Babylon and arrive in Jerusalem? Because his will is to speak to that individual right then. meeting their needs. teaching. Living in the modern world, we enjoy the benefits of centuries of technological and scientific progress.

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