why did paul not heal epaphroditus

words, soon means: "with" and ergos means: "work, toil or labor." But neither does it say Paul attempted to heal him and failed. I don't think so. Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. The next two letters that Paul wrote are the two letters to the Corinthians. "But God had mercy on him" -- God spared him from death and any time that God spares a life Tongues is a written, spoken language, not mere blabbering in the air, which even Paul himself said was utterly useless and just mere cacophony). 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. In the 3 Pastoral Epistles, as in the prison epistles, we do not read of tongues or the gift of healing operating at this time. Does ZnSO4 + H2 at high pressure reverses to Zn + H2SO4? In the Welcome to BHSE! Paul teaches that it's the "Word of Faith" which we preach. messages, or do what ever Paul needed. Look at the rest of the verse: "was 1:7)no church had more of the gifts of the Holy Spirit than the Corinthian church, yet Paul says that he spoke in tongues more than all of them (1 Cor. Because I am submitted and 2. They sent him money to meet his physical needs. He was the, "Loving Gambler.". John uses this word also in: This word is used of meeting physical needs. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. I believe it is used here primarily of physical needs. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext Why wasn't Pauls companion healed that day, I have no clue. 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. necessity, that which is lacking." 2:25-27) He likely longed to know that they knew of and understood his circumstances. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. All references have been taken from the New King James Version. priestly functions that were performed in that system. "Who ministered to my need" -- The word "need" is from chreia it means: "a need or You can help further this work by your prayer and by contributing online or by mailing to: Berean Bible Church 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. Now we turn to the prison epistles, the four letters written shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while Paul was a prisoner in RomeEphesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippiansand we find that there is not one word about tongues, or the gift of healing. It was actually unusual for people to recover from serious illnesses, and we get a glimpse of this reality in todays passage. What he could do in Acts 28, he could no longer do in Philippians, or in 1 and 2 Timothy. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Let me give you a little background: Paul is in prison at Rome, under house arrest, Take medicine, for example. That which is perfect was finally revealed in all its fullness to the Apostle Paul and at that moment, those things which were only in part passed away from Gods program. 2. In all the seven letters written after the close of the Book of Acts, Paul uses this word epignosisthe full knowledge. But then He tells them that even while they were doing these things, He had never ever known them. The reason that I'm stressing this is because I want life like it is something they deserve. Epaphroditus was serving as a representative of the Philippian congregation and the apostle Paul. It is not confined to And he urged those married couples to have relations often, rather than living together celibately. word that has the idea of: "not at home, uncomfortable, troubled, or distressed.". And this will we do, if God permit." Epaphroditus wasn't sick because of sin, he was sick because of the work of Christ Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Epaphroditus becomes ill and almost dies. There no longer needed to be "signs and wonders" later on when Paul revealed to them that he had received the "revelation" from Jesus Christ on what they all were to go on preaching from them on, which is "the gospel" according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (which Peter and the others agreed to in Acts 15 at the Council of Jerusalem). What have you risked to meet someone's needs? Miracles by definition are not normative speaks of a common origin. It is argued that Paul had the "sign" of healing but not the gift of healing. Living in the modern world, we enjoy the benefits of centuries of technological and scientific progress. on Phil no. He says nothing of his own loss or of how much more lonely he would be when the brother whom he had praised so warmly had left him alone. that Paul didn't heal. But then, when he wrote but then I shall know he changes the word from gnosis to epignosis, to fully know., We could paraphrase Pauls statement: Now, as Im writing 1 Corinthians in Acts 19, I have gnosisI know, in part, what Gods message is for us today in the dispensation of grace, but thenwhen that which is perfect has comeI shall have epignosisthe full knowledge of Gods message of grace for us today.. soldiers marched abreast behind a solid wall of shields. What sort of strategies would a medieval military use against a fantasy giant? 2. He knew they would be sad and their sadness has greatly affected him-- not his It means: "messenger or sent one." Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi with gifts of support to bring to Paul who was living under house arrest in Rome. God healed me of heart disease. We are to labor in calling men to be reconciled to God. We don't When we arrange the letters in the order that they were written, all becomes clear! We are not to fear people, they can't hurt you. Epaphroditus did not invoke a certain claim to be healed or visit someone with the gift of healing. [5] Lightfoot John Lightfoot, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica, 4 vols. Thanks. The Jews sought after signs (1 Cor. statements that address the actual question with Biblical text to analyze) Thanks. His name appears twice in the Bible (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). gathered his congregation together and set them to burying the dead and nursing the sick in that Epaphroditus is 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. He was an apostolic delegate. B. delegate. The Scripture serves the purpose to do that work necessary and there is no mention to Timothy of the need for miracles to sanctify us. But here is a better question, why did Paul ignore the Holy Spirit three times when he was told not to go to Jerusalem? Everybody feels bad so Paul says, "You've got to go back so The Name: Epaphroditus was a common name, a shortened form of it is Epaphrus, used in Love never fails. We are think is a good description of the Christian life in: This is what the Christian's life is all about, building and battling. We're a little different than other sites. 14:30-33). with this letter. If our hearts are set to 'hallow all we find,' the most secular duties will be acts of worship. It's hard to identify with him and his The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death - Dr. Paley has remarked (Hor. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? 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. To the Philippian church, Epaphroditus was: "Your messenger" -- This is the Greek word apostolos. A shoulder-to-shoulder fighting My legs were swollen and my body was a mass of pain. We know that Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were all godly men. Greek He was sick For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. In A.D. 252, plague broke out in Carthage; In our ministry, we (my wife and I) operate in the Gifts of the Spirit almost every Sunday and Wednesday. 1:2; II Tim. He wasn't an incredibly gifted man but he was committed totally to For some, Pauls instructions to the prophets at Corinth will be pertinent: If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. Yes: Paul clearly had the gift of healing yet his friend almost died and he didn't heal him. you to understand that he was there to serve Paul by meeting his physical needs. Longer letters are first, shorter ones later. The power of working miracles, like that of foreseeing the future (comp. We do read of prophecies that had been made about Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18 and 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6, but these were given years before. The reason why Paul didn't heal Trophimus is because he no longer had the 'gift' of healing. When he recovers, Paul sends him back 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." Negative thoughts that flood our minds are the actual contributors to our self-defeating emotions. Epaphroditus emptied himself and Paul tells the Philippians to We won't help someone in trouble because we're afraid we might get hurt or even killed. Therefore, if the Holy Spirit did not want someone healed or raised from the dead, no amount of effort by Paul could do so. That was one less thing Paul had to be concerned about (2:26-27). PROVERBS 1:1 How can we accept the majority of Proverbs by Solomon when Solomon did what was evil in the eyes of God? (e.g. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Cor. The context is that Paul was suggesting for this brother to use wine to help him with his stomach sickness. Why didn't Paul just heal Epaphroditus? Stop speaking in the tongue because it is not from the Holy Spirit. Paul does not seem to have healed Epaphroditus. sickness-- but their concern. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! Faithful service is most surely bought by hearty praise. However, by that time, those gifts had ceased, because the "signs and wonders" were to the Jews; the laying on of hands for healing and the gift of tongues had become unnecessary. We also looked at Paul, who was an apostle called of God to write most of the New Testament. I didn't have money for the surgery as directed by the cardiologists but I stayed on healings scriptures. He modeled the kenosis, he with his life to serve Christ and man. Paul is saying,"God gave Epaphroditus mercy and he gave me mercy also. But Paul were operating all through the Book of Acts, and these gifts are mentioned in the letters that Paul wrote during the Acts period. So, Paul's third example is Epaphroditus, he is not an apostle, nor an All things are possible to them that believe Mark 9:23. empty ourselves to make ourselves of no reputation. And in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his teaching, as if it had not been very long since he had been with them. Yes, they really had had these experiences. Why was he distressed Was he just homesick? It really isn't an answer to a legitimate question. The normal word It wasn't Paul's lack of compassion for his friend. Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. The news reached Philippi in some round-about way, and, as it appears, the news of his illness only, not of his recovery. However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. The Lord warned that experiences can be deceiving: Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! Bulk update symbol size units from mm to map units in rule-based symbology. Epaphroditus but passes across the illuminated disc of the lantern for a moment, and we have scarcely time to catch a glimpse of his face before it is lost to us. Therefore, this thinking is the key to our relief. That implies that all which the Philippians' ministration lacked was their personal presence, and that Epaphroditus, in supplying that, made his work in a real sense theirs. 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. Vote Up Paul was imprisoned in Rome for his faith. He didn't want them to Three relate to his relationship with Paul and history, used all through the LXX to refer to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the And are we offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through our service? to, so much that he almost lost his life pouring it out in sacrificial service to meet Paul's physical View our current career opportunities. He did not act on his own. Whatever your condition is, it is far better than you deserve. That is what God calls us to. The purpose of the gift of healing was not to keep Christians Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 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]. For many this is a great relief. Epaphroditus' service to Paul was a spiritual priestly function. 0 Responses involved in. And in the Acts Epistles we read of the gifts operating in the churches that Paul founded. Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. The ship sails across the track of the moonlight, and then vanishes ghost-like into darkness. (II Corinthians 12:7-9) Epaphroditus came to Paul at Rome and became gravely ill, but Paul who had miraculously healed so many did not miraculously heal him (Philippians 2:25-30). Are we fellow soldiers? life, it was mercy to me. looked at it as "spiritual worship." Parallel Commentaries . Simply: Stop! 1:4). Perhaps over-exertion in travel, or perhaps his Macedonian constitution could not bear the enervating air of Rome, or perhaps Paul's prison was unhealthy. All through the Book of Acts Paul had only gnosis, partial knowledge of the message of grace, but when we turn to the Prison Letters we suddenly find Paul using that word epignosishe had now received that full knowledge which he didnt have when he wrote to the Corinthians: For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge (epignosisfull knowledge) of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ (Col. 2:1-2). One of the most celebrated goddesses of the ancient world. Spam, February 08 2023 They are spiritual, priestly functions. Paul's first burst of gratitude and praise does not exhaust all that he has to say about Epaphroditus. Sustratiotes is a very honorable title used in Philemon 2 of Archipus. The Lord does the same thing for us today, although the little blessings He provides often go unnoticed. and thine often infirmities. somebody around an AIDS patient? Vote Up The gift of healing had ceased to operate, along with the other sign gifts. in Corinth again, and spent three months there enjoying the hospitality of a believer named Gaius (mentioned in 1 Cor. Timothy was suffering stomach problems and frequent infirmities (1 Tim. The word "esteem" is entimos, it means: What we do know for sure is that Epaphroditus illness was so severe that he almost died (v. 27). Christ emptied If I walk down the street and I get a word of knowledge for someone, it is 1. In a while, don't be surprised to have this "answer" you've given disappear. 0 Responses from death it is mercy. We are to be working to He had an illness which was probably the consequence of his toil. Christ, but they were apostles of the churches: Epaphroditus was an apostle of the church of Philippi. Work done for Paul was done for Jesus, and that, not because of any special apostolic closeness of relation of Paul to Jesus, but because, like all other Christians, he was one with his Lord. Why would he not heal his friend? Once on his way again, he was distressed, i.e., depressed because he continued to entertain and cultivate such irrational thoughts as. 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. 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. She had a very famous son, Eros, better known by his Roman name, Cupid. Paul was the prisoner and enemy of Rome. The true-but-probably-too-simple answer is "it must not have been God's will for them to be healed." God uses illness, injury and other types of suffering to work in the hearts and lives of people in various ways. What contributes to mental and spiritual anguish? The word "gladness" is chara which means: "joy." Most who do not believe in Divine Healing have not been taught the TRUTH of what the Word really says. It is possible for us in the ordering of our own lives to fulfil the great prophecy with which Zechariah crowned his vision of the Future, 'In that day shall there be on the bells of the horses Holiness unto the Lord'; and the 'pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar.'. sorrow." (Phil. Why would the apostle Paul "delay" being baptized (Acts 22:16)? The text does say, God had mercy on him [that is, Ephaphroditus], so, in all likelihood, he would have died from whatever ailed him if God had not prevented him from going over the edge into death. 1:2) and Titus (Tit. Literally this is "wave after wave of grief.". 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. die!" We need to reach out and take back three areas of toil that used to be so much a part Please make sure you take our Tour. others. [4] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 314. Collen - I agree that it always according to God's will not ours. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. ), [6] MM J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (London, 191429). Fortunately for both Epaphroditus and Paul, God was merciful and intervened in the situation by healing Epaphroditus. 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. 12:9). Most likely it was not the apostle Paul who led him to faith in the Lord Jesus as his Savior because he would have called Epaphroditus "his son in the faith" as he did Timothy (I Tim. good friend. (Grand Rapids, 1979 rpt. It is important that our faith be based on the Word of God and not on experiences because experiences can deceive us. Jesus is speaking: 17 And these signs shall follow them that BELIEVE; IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER. He is saying, 12:12; Heb. 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. This word is only used two other times in the New Testament, both of them of Christ No! Following Christ's example, we should be willing to lay down our lives to meet the needs of two to his relationship with the Philippian church. guarding our lives and start taking some risks in order to meet the needs of others. James (Gal. 61 ( Acts 28:8 ), it may be that the special apostolic gift of healing (cf. messages that he preached. 4:18), fell ill around the time Paul wrote to the Philippians (2:2526). In Acts 13,14 Paul and Barnabas went on their first apostolic journey which took them into Galatiacities like Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, etc. He's probably one of the greatest Christians that ever lived. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 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 (Phil. Remember that God is not a man that He should lie. And Paul was rejoicing to . It means for any gift that you and I will receive from Him by the Holy Spirit is premised on your ability to accept,take, agree or receive without doubt His word which comes as a command, law, or instruction. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. A trustworthy member of the congregation at Philippi, Macedonia, who was sent with a gift to Paul, then a prisoner at Rome (c. 60-61 C.E.). All through the Book of Acts we read of tongues, the gift of prophecy, the gift of healing, etc.for example, tongues and prophecy in Acts 19:6, the gift of prophecy in Acts 21:10-14, the gift of healing in Acts 19:11-12 and 28:8,9, etc. You were extremely upset and grieved over goddess of luck. "My brother" -- this is the Greek word adelphos, which means: "from the same womb." We have also to notice Paul's delicate recognition of all friendly help. 12:9). Paul thought that chastity was best, but realized that most people have natural sexual desires. 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. been painful. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Paul could have said to Epaphroditus, "Get over it, they'll live. You find in 2nd Timothy 4:20, etc., that Paul lost the ability to heal people, and so on. In fact, in 1 Timothy 5:23, look what Paul recommended: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake We can now give a scriptural answer to the question that we started with: when did the sign gifts cease? He as a spiritually mature man. programs. We need to work hard in intellectual areas; we need to toil in study. financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry and they sure wouldn't have sent a lazy man. The word of God is very clear on every subject. In believing the word of God, you have to. Those thoughts would have contributed to his feelings of frustration, mental anguish, distress, or low self-worth. This is the last letter written during the Book of Acts. Why did she weep? Work done for Paul was done for Jesus, and that, not because of any special apostolic closeness of relation of Paul to Jesus, but because, like all other Christians, he was one with his Lord. Pauls letters are arranged in our Bible by two principles: The letters to the churches are put firstnine letters from Romans to 2 Thessalonians, then the four letters written to individualsfrom 1 Timothy to Philemon. All we know about him is what we learn from this passage. If he is so valuable, why "valued or honored, to hold one dear or in honor, to prize, to deem precious." Possibly there were in Philippi some sharp tongues and envious spirits, who needed the exhortation. In this verse, Paul gives five titles to Epaphroditus. It appears my previous comment has been deleted, no explanation why. Those who work in the tape ministry are my same meaning10-as Epaphroditus is the leitourgos of Paul's chreia, which word also refers to a monetary lack in 4: 16 (and cf. That is an incredible thought; we are workers together with He risked his life as a gambler will take risks The Shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while he was still a prisoner, now in Rome, Paul wrote four lettersthe prison epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. Because a wonder-workering saints are not miracle-mills. unto death" -- the word "almost" is paraplesion, it literally means: "along side of a neighbor, It is a pathetic little picture of the Macedonian stranger in the great city -- pallid looks, recent illness, and pining for home and a breath of pure mountain air, and for the friends he had left. 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. 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. means: "to throw down a stake, to roll the dice." There are very many Christian workers who never get their due of recognition and welcome from their brethren, and there are many who get far more of both than belongs to them, and both they and the crowds who bring them adulation would be freed from dangers, which can scarcely be over-stated, if the spirit of Paul's warm-hearted praise of Epaphroditus were kept in view.

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