Dare to Be an Epaphroditus

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, October 16, 2026

Today’s Text: Philippians 2:25–30; 4:18

Key Verse: Philippians 2:30 (KJV) — “Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”

Hidden in the shadow of Paul's prison chains is a man whose name most Christians barely remember, yet Heaven could not forget. He carried no title of apostle, no pulpit of a famous preacher, no reputation of a great leader. He was simply Epaphroditus — a messenger with a gift of money from Philippi, and a minister with a heart to stay and serve when imprisonment became hard and lonely. The church sent him to deliver support, but God kept him there to deliver strength, risking his own life to meet Paul's physical needs. Dare to be an Epaphroditus: dare to carry another man's burden, to be faithful where you are sent, and to make your ordinary life an offering for the work of Christ.

Epaphroditus traveled a long and dangerous road to bring the Philippians’ love offering to Paul. The gift was more than money; it was worship, described by Paul as “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). But Epaphroditus did not stop at delivering the gift. He remained to minister to Paul’s need, laboring until he became seriously ill and was near death. His service cost him his comfort, his health, and almost his life. Dare to be an Epaphroditus: dare to finish the assignment God gives you, even when service becomes costly, and to regard the work of Christ as worth more than personal safety.

What a beautiful spirit he had. Even in his sickness, Epaphroditus was distressed, not because he was suffering, but because the Philippians had heard of his illness and were worried about him (Philippians 2:26). He was more concerned about the hearts of those who loved him than about his own pain. Paul called him “my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier” (Philippians 2:25). He was a brother in affection, a worker in commitment, and a soldier in courage. Dare to be an Epaphroditus: dare to love the people of God deeply, to stand with those who labor under pressure, and to be dependable when others need strengthening.

God had mercy on him and restored his health. Paul then sent him back to Philippi, urging the church to receive him with joy and to hold such people in honor, “because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death” (Philippians 2:29–30). Heaven does not forget quiet faithfulness. The man who carried a gift became a carrier of grace; the man who served a prisoner became an example for generations. Dare to be an Epaphroditus: dare to serve without seeking applause, to give without demanding recognition, and to believe that God honors those who risk something precious for His kingdom.

Before God sends great deliverers, He often sends faithful supporters. Epaphroditus reminds us that the kingdom advances not only through those who preach on platforms, but also through those who give, carry, visit, serve, encourage, and stay. Moral courage is not only for Moses, Daniel, Paul, and Shiphrah and Puah; it is for ordinary believers who will say, “Send me,” and then remain faithful until the work is done. Dare to supply what is lacking in the service of others. Dare to stand beside God’s servants. Dare to let your obedience become a fragrant offering that brings strength to a prisoner, hope to a church, and glory to Christ.

Action Steps: Identify one servant of God, family member, missionary, caregiver, or burdened believer whose needs God may be asking you to carry. Give practically, pray consistently, visit faithfully, or serve quietly without expecting recognition. Choose one costly act of love this week that supplies what is lacking in another person’s service. Ask God to make you a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier in His kingdom.

Quote for the Day: “When believers risk comfort for the work of Christ, their quiet service becomes a fragrant sacrifice; dare to be an Epaphroditus.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequotes)

Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, like Epaphroditus, make me faithful to carry what You have placed in my hands and to serve those You have assigned to my care. Give me the courage to complete the work of Christ even when it costs me comfort, strength, or reputation. Make me a true brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier to Your servants. Let my giving, service, and obedience become a fragrant offering acceptable to You, and establish the work of my hands for generations — in Jesus’ most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study on this topic, please read: Philippians 2:25–30; Philippians 4:10–19; Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 6:2, 9–10; Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Corinthians 15:58.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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