Epaphroditus

When was Epaphroditus active?

Epaphroditus is dated fl. c. 62 (trad. later bishop of Philippi) in the archive, which places Epaphroditus in the Apostolic Age (AD 4–70). The dating is traditional and approximate; the archive marks it as uncertain rather than fixing a year the sources do not give.

Which early sources mention Epaphroditus?

Epaphroditus is named in 2 primary-source passages catalogued here, drawn from Paul and John Chrysostom. Every passage is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Where was Epaphroditus from?

The archive associates Epaphroditus with Philippi, Rome. The sources record more than one location, so the places are listed in the order the record moves through them.

Who were Epaphroditus’ contemporaries?

The archive links Epaphroditus to 4 other figures, including Paul of Tarsus, Euodia of Philippi, Syntyche of Philippi and Syzygus (“True Yokefellow”). Each connection is drawn from a source that places them together, not from inference.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life.

The Philippians had sent him somewhat, after a long time, and had committed the same to Epaphroditus. See then, how **when he is about to send Epaphroditus as the bearer of this Epistle**, he praises them, and shows that this action was for the need, not of the receiver, but of the givers. … Ver. 18. “I have all things and abound” … “Having received of Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell; a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” Lo, whither he hath raised their gift; not I, he saith, received, but God through me. … [Chrysostom has Epaphroditus twice over: the man who carried the Philippians’ gift to Paul in prison, and the man carrying back the letter in which he is named. On the givers he is exact — “men that were handicraftsmen, poor, having wives, bringing up children, ruling their families, and who had given these very gifts out of small possessions” — and he notes that Paul, “dwelling in the metropolis, should be nourished by a little city.”]