Epaphroditus: The Phillipian Boy Who Gave Himself.

I can bet a thousand shillings that no one in Kenya has ever named their child Epaphroditus. I wanted to say in Africa, but our brethren from the West are known to be... let’s just say, creative when it comes to naming their own.

In my childhood, I once heard a story that stayed with me. During a fellowship gathering, the offering basket went around the congregation. People gave money—notes and coins—one after the other. But when it reached a certain young boy, he had nothing to give. He looked at the basket for a moment, placed it gently on the floor, and stepped into it. When asked what he was doing, he said, “I’m giving myself to the Lord.” That was all he had.

Epaphroditus was one such boy—though grown. A brother in the fellowship at Philippi, whose heart was full of the same spirit of surrender. News had reached Philippi that Paul, now aged and under house arrest in Rome, needed help. The church gathered supplies for him—food, clothing, perhaps scrolls—and they decided to send something greater: a person. They sent Epaphroditus as their living offering, their gift of service to Paul and for God. Can I preach shortly? Thanks for that nod. This is what I personally call prayerful giving. Paul needed a man more than money(4:10-19). He needed a companion more than compassion(2:20-24). This they could only know by revelation from God. Next time you're thinking of giving, check in with God first. Ask key questions; who needs it, what do they need, when do they need it, how much of it and why do they need it. Then give. End of preaching.

Back to Epaphroditus... He went to Rome, not as a preacher, but as a helper. He cooked. He cleaned. He served Paul as though he was the hired help. But at some point, the helper needed help. Epaphroditus fell grave-ly ill—so sick that Paul says, “he nearly died for the work of Christ” (Philippians 2:30). Yet, thanks be to God, he recovered. Many scholars believe he was the one who carried Paul’s letter back to Philippi, proof to them that he was alive and testimony that service—even quiet service—matters to God.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is therefore deeply personal. It’s a thank-you note, a missionary update, and a love letter to a faithful church. He thanks them for their partnership, reminds them of his prayers for them, encourages them to remain pure and joyful, and urges them to keep proclaiming the gospel no matter what.

Philippi, after all, was Paul’s first church plant in Europe. It began with a woman’s persuasion (Lydia), a demonic disturbance (the slave girl), and a dramatic prison break (the jailer). You can read all that in Acts 16—a story that proves God can use anyone, anywhere, for the advancement of the gospel.

As we read Philippians, imagine this as a letter written to your fellowship(home cell, home church, egroup...) — by a missionary or minister you love in the truth and support. What would your response be? If Paul were to write to you today, what would he thank your fellowship for? What would he challenge you about?

Let’s give God our full attention—and all that we are—just as that young boy once did. Sometimes the greatest offering is not in the basket, but the one putting into it.

Huratiti!