why did paul not heal epaphroditus

. mary r killin. 5.23) and arrived in Galatia unhealed of a terrible sickness (Gal. As Paul said, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain . A good question to ask is why Epaphroditus fell ill in the first place. God never removed Paul's thorn in the flesh ( II Cor 12:1-10 ). Ellis, E. Earle. Nov 20, 2018 9,914 5,144 113. Neither did he do it for ill Timothy, infirm Trophimus, or sick Epaphroditus. God's mercy was involved in the healing of Epaphroditus, both for him and for Paul. That was one less thing Paul had to be concerned about (2:26-27). Paul, observing him intently and seeing . 9. Jul 10, 2021 #3931. There was no "blood pled" for the devil-possessed girl at Philippiand yet she was delivered. Normally when someone talks about rejoicing, they share good news. These include: Paul; Trophimus; Epaphroditus; Timothy. Let me tell you what the name means, in case you are thinking of naming a child. F. How could Epaphroditus have been near death "for the work of Christ"? The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. Paul also had another concern on his heart. And sickness speeds the arrival of death for many. Yes: Acts 14:7-10 (NKJV) And they were preaching the gospel there. 8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. Apr 29, 2020 #95. So, the criticism was not that Paul designated himself an apostle; rather, it was that his apostleship was dependent on the~Jerusalem leaders and that he was unfaithful in proclaiming it. that the account of the sickness and recovery of Epaphroditus is such as to lead us to suppose that he was not restored by miracle; and he infers that the power of healing the sick was conferred on the apostles only occasionally, and did not depend at all on their will . so that Paul may rejoice in the day of Christ. Joy comes from living for and serving others, as did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy in this chapter. Paul could not heal Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27) "Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and he who ministered to my wants. 1:5 'fellowship' = brother in ch. Can I Trust My Bible (Moody). Why not? A: Paul did not have the power to arbitrarily heal: only God has the power to heal. The reason Epaphroditus was not healed is not stated in the text. My understanding from the text is that Epaphroditus was the recipient of mercy. Jul 10, 2021. God will not have us stand on our own strength. . Epaphroditus, the apostle of the Philippians, was especially signalized by his suffering, which took him very near to death (2:25-30). Paul the Apostle Wrote Hebrews. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death - Dr. Paley has remarked (Hor. In Acts 5:15, it tells us that they "brought forth the sick into the streets, on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow them" (verse 16). . In the other, Paul's prays to focus the saints attention and labours on future work "The Lord give mercy unto" Paul of course had his own "mercy minister" in the form of "Luke, the BELOVED physician", and no doubt "beloved" for that very reason. This implies they did not expect such a minister to fall ill. We die daily. This points to the fact that healing "gifts" are occasional and subject to God's sovereign timing and purpose. Acts 14:10; 19:11-12; 28:8-9). He is depicted as a young man dressed in a purple garment, holding what appears to be a scroll. G. Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible. Indeed he was ill and almost died." If Paul could heal at will, why did Epaphroditus get so sick that his life was in danger? He was a faithful minister - Paul said so (Phil. The power to heal was present in Paul's ministry as described in the book of Acts. DeHoff, George. B. Let us think once more about the healing ministry. Paul left his traveling companion Trophimus sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). Apr 29, 2020 #95. "Charming." v. 25 Brother, companion, soldier. 4: 19 . Nowhere does the text state that the gift of healing was not used in either the case of Epaphroditus or that of Timothy. Pe. However, God, who can do things as He chooses, chose not to immediately heal Epaphroditus. 16:24 D. What is meant by Epaphroditus being the Philippians "messenger"? In Philippians 2:25-27 Paul mentioned his good friend Epaphroditus, who had been very sick. cv5 Well-known member. God is not saved by human hands c. The Lord told him that he would be sent to . Paul had previously displayed the gift of healing. Answer (1 of 2): According to Acts 14:8-10, Paul's first miraculous cure was of a lame man in Lystra, however this is improbably similar to Peter's first cure in Acts of the Apostles. he almost died for the work of Christ." So why didn't Paul simply lay hands on Epaphroditus and heal him? Did Jesus heal all as the word says who came to HIM, and does your Epaphroditus lack of information about him being healed mean God no longer heals >? Let's open our Bibles for our time in God's Word this morning again to Philippians chapter 2. Sin brought forth death, which is in and of itself a sickness. on Phil no. Mankind causes disease by violating the natural laws of health and cleanliness. a. Epaphroditus was a veteran, a battle tested soldier, who gambled his life for the sake of the gospel. That is not the impression I get from the book of Philippians. Timothy had his frequent infirmities and the evils from without. domingo, 13 junho 2021. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow" (Philippians 2:26-27). Fortunately for both Epaphroditus and Paul, God was merciful and intervened in the situation by healing Epaphroditus. "Charming." v. 25 Brother, companion, soldier. Answer (1 of 2): So let us consider the 2 passages where Trophimus and Epaphroditus are mentioned: 'Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all. However, honest consideration of this story reveals that it is actually a testimony . Either way, healing Epaphroditus was . He would have us rely on him alone. sometimes that may be a spiritual healing , but they will be healed. In both cases, a man who had been lame since birth was immediately cured by being commanded to stand and walk. Solution: There are two possible responses to this. It would seem that this demonstrates that miracles primarily had the purpose of creating faith. the most complete healing is when we are taken home. It means "belonging to Aphrodite" the name of the goddess is actually incorporated into the name Epaphroditus. The healing of Epaphroditus is God's 'healing' pattern for His saints in this age and . Grace, Salvation, and Discipleship: How to Understand Some Difficult Bible Passages ( GraceLife Ministries). Eusebius (c.263c. Losing a loved one is heartbreaking and the loss causes a time of deep mourning for many. He was a close friend of Emperor Constantine and had unlimited access to all the very early Christian writings. Paul mentions him in words of esteem and affection. Paul did not even heal his son in the faith, Timothy (1 Timothy 4:23). 2:25-29). Epaphroditus was a faithful Christian, but "he was sick almost unto death" (Phil 2:27). Paul had mighty powers of healing. Paul recognizes the thankfulness of Epaphroditus for the recovery of his health: he shares that thankfulness himself. Explanation and Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12: 9 Paul's claim is that God had given him a "thorn in his flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) in order to prevent him from becoming conceited because of his powerful experiences and revelations from God. Satan, the Devil, is not the author of sickness. Problem: In the Book of Acts, Paul healed the sick and even raised the dead (Acts 20:9-10). God's sparing of Epaphroditus' life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. Paul left Trophimus in Miletus when he was sick ( II Tim 4:20 ), and Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death ( Phil 2:27 ). In each case, it is explained, the answer is the same: Paul didn't heal because he couldn't. The Spirit moves at his own discretion. Both Paul and Peter were great healers. It was God's will for Epaphroditus to be sick. . We cannot command God to heal, but we can ask Him to. Epaphroditus was willing to sacrifice. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. - For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.St. Barnabas plays a role here consistent with his role throughout the book of Acts (Pohill 59). Explanation and Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12: 9 Paul's claim is that God had given him a "thorn in his flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) in order to prevent him from becoming conceited because of his powerful experiences and revelations from God. Why did he not simply heal Epaphroditus? reasons why it's always god's perfect will to heal every believer #7. paul's thorn in the flesh was not a sickness; introduction 7.1 #7.1 weakness not infirmity #7.2 the reason why paul was given his "thorn" #7.3 the meaning of "a thorn in the flesh" #7.4 the meaning of "buffet" #7.5 how paul's "thorn" affected his flesh 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. 4:20). There is urgency in Paul's words, a passion, a commitment to pray for Epaphroditus's healing until either divine . There is only one answer, sin! According to Philippians 2:16, why will Paul rejoice in the day of Christ? But here, he apparently could not even heal a needed coworker. . By T. A. McMahon We often hear from people who are suffering from various ailments and they don't understand why they are being made to endure them. According to Philippians 2:17, what did Paul say he is being poured out as? Also, why did Paul not mentioned Isa 53 even once, for us in the Body of Christ, for healing in Romans to Philemon? January 23 2014 Report. Paul clearly states why God healed Epaphroditus. Although Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, He wept. 3,838 +467 He started his ministry before there was anything, such as our Bible, to teach and authenticate his message. (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). In Phil 2:25-27 Paul wrote, "For he (Epaphroditus) longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Paul did not use his considerable Jewish pedigree (Philippians 3:5-6) as a reason not to submit to Barnabas' overtures to come alongside Paul and show him the way in the Christian church. But his prayers for Epaphroditus were not answered, at least initially. Respectfully, I see this as a conclusion looking for evidence to support it. Was not Paul performing healing miracles? It is interesting to note that Paul did not use this gift for his own selfish purposes. Timothy was encouraged to use wine for his stomach ailments ( 1 Tim 5:23 ). And he was 'full of heaviness' because the Philippians had heard that he, their minister, had been sick. Joy comes from living for and serving others, as did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy in this chapter. 2:30)? Philippians 2:30. why did paul not heal epaphroditus. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life Philippians 2:30 There is a parallel between this and chapter 1. God shows some of His most extraordinary grace in illness. Epaphroditus, like millions of other people recovered, but not due to any miraculous healing "I left Trophimus sick in Miletus." Paul, who had healed many other people did not heal Tophimus, but "left him sick." Why? He was willing to serve in obscurity. Epaphroditus [N] [H] [S] fair, graceful; belonging to Aphrodite or Venus the messenger who came from Phillipi to the apostle when he was a prisoner at Rome (Phil 2:25-30 ; 4:10-18 ). Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Why Doesn't Jesus Heal Me? Bing, Charlie. Therefore, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with his letter to the Philippians so that they could stop worrying and rejoice too (2:25-30). Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and . Epaphroditus was a plugger and they all would have missed him and it was no accident that he had left his congregation to take thousands of dollars to the apostle Paul. on Phil no. Did Epaphroditus not have "enough faith" as some so-called faith healers would charge? Why didn't he tell Timothy to believe that for his healing, or Epaphroditus in Philippians 2 that? 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. Probably, neither did he. While Paul healed many he also left Trophimus behind sick at Mellitus (2 Tim. And as for the gift of healing, we read of a co-worker of Paul's, Epaphroditus, who fell seriously ill during this time (Phil. 1:5 'fellowship' = brother in ch. Yet, Jesus, Paul, and the disciples healed the sick they came across ( Matt 19 . that the account of the sickness and recovery of Epaphroditus is such as to lead us to suppose that he was not restored by miracle; and he infers that the power of healing the sick was conferred on the apostles only occasionally, and did not depend at all on their will, since, if it had, there is every . Paul's belief in the sovereignty of God did not lead him to cease interceding for Epaphroditus or give up hope for his healing. Epaphroditus was distressed because the Philippians were distressed over his terrible illness. On his return to Philippi he was the bearer of Paul's letter to the church there. ii.) Still another person . When I read that text, I'm always amazed that Paul (apparently) was unable to heal Epaphroditus. However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith. we are to pray for the sick that they may be healed. In the last few verses we saw the example of proven worth in Timothy and now we see an example in Epaphroditus. Timothy was encouraged to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments. 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. What to do? Acts 14:8 NASB. He healed many people of many diseases (e.g. Therefore, modern healers shouldn't be expected to heal every time either. Why was Paul's Apostleship questioned? Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext Mt. So many early writings of Papias ( c. 70-163 AD), for example, are lost. Here's why: 1. I pray for my healing, and I tell God why I . Why did Timothy have to rely on wine for treatment of his many illnesses? As we can see, with the close of the Book of Acts, the healing miracles have passed away. In contrast to Timothy, what did Paul say about others? E. Since Paul had power heal, why did he not heal Epaphroditus? There is a parallel between this and chapter 1. Did Paul prescribe wine for Epaphroditus, as he did for Timothy? ii.) I know that God is God and that he can heal. "Trophimus have I left in Miletus sick" (2 Ti. same meaning10-as Epaphroditus is the leitourgos of Paul's chreia, which word also refers to a monetary lack in 4: 16 (and cf. Serving doesn't exclude you from . Why Acts 28:28-again the key fits. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow (Philippians 2:27 NKJV). People often bring up the same question concerning Epaphroditus. I don't know the particular reason why Jesus doesn't heal a person who is ill and who asks Him for healing. Alleged Bible Contradictions Explained (DeHoff Publications). For indeed he was sick nigh unto death - Dr. Paley has remarked (Hor. . He was sick to the point of death. Paul could not heal at will. Continued good works, however, are not always the reason for God healing the saints. Mark his human sympathies; he had a "desire to depart," but he rejoices in the recovery of his friend. Paul had his splinter in the flesh and his persecutions. Some believe that possessing the gift of healing did not guarantee . Yet I consider it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus . He was willing to give his time, his effort, and even his health to serve the Lord. C. In order to be a disciple of the Lord, what must one do? Look at the way Paul talks about him:-my brother-fellow worker-fellow soldier-your messenger-minister to my need-longing for you all The congregation in Philippi loved this man so much, they did not want him to die. he did not run in vain or labor in vain. So, just to keep things interesting (and because there are already a million sermons on Timothy), I want to give you 4 lessons from the life of Epaphroditus. Paul says that God had mercy on Epaphroditus, probably due to the many . Philippians 2:25-30 ; 4:18. And why didn't Paul heal Epaphroditus, the Philippian who "nearly died" while tending the imprisoned apostle in Rome (Phil. in "Dictionary of the Bible" says that "Greek (name) Epaphras is a shortened form of Greek Epaphroditus. 4.13-15). . The struggle regarding healing, whether for ourselves or our loved ones, is often highly emotional. Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions (Concordia). "God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow." God didn't have to heal Epaphroditus; He wasn't obligated to heal him because Jesus purchased healing on the Cross. On one occasion he even healed everyone in an entire city (Acts 28:9). He would have us rely on him alone. Because he, like Epaphroditus, was a Christian, and Christians did not heal other Christians. He did not heal his friend Epaphroditus who was sick unto death (Philippians 2:25-27). Evidently Paul did not have the ability to heal everyone whom he wished would be healthy, even his fellow workers. Paul grieved that this dear man became so ill. Marilyn C Newbie Supporter. Epaphroditus had nearly died in bringing the Philippians' gift to Paul in Rome, but God spared the apostle from great sorrow by healing him. 339 AD) was Bishop of Caesarea, a port in north-central Israel. Suffering for God is the highest privilege which can be accorded His creatures. 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 . The Lord had mercy on sick Epaphroditus. Barnabas encouraged the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36-37 . The church at Philippi grieved as well; yet, now Paul rejoiced that God chose to heal Epaphroditus and he could now return to Philippi, rejoicing and bringing hope, joy and love to that young church. But here he doesn't seem to have healed Epaphroditus (and even if he did, he didn't heal Trophimus in Miletus - 2Tim.4:20). In that he had heard about the seeds of division that had been planted in the church at Philippi. Verse 27. . Some would conclude from Paul's failure to heal his friend that the "gift of healing" was "dying out" at this juncture in the life of . Now, the example of Epaphroditus. If Paul could not make such a demand, then neither can we. Epaphroditus brought the gift to Paul, and he brought news . Lazarus' sickness was for the glory . Perhaps the gift was no longer operational or perhaps Paul simply refused to pervert the gift by using it for his own ends. Paul told the Philippian church that "Epaphroditus almost died on me." But why did not Paul heal him? Assuming Paul didn't heal Epaphroditus, we ask: Why not? Paul. 2:25). God will not have us stand on our own strength. Now, the example of Epaphroditus. There are. Why did not the apostle Paul bless handkerchiefs and heal both Timothy and Epaphroditus, as he did the many sick people of Acts 19:11 and 12? Paul Did Not Heal Epaphroditus Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was in a Roman prison and explained how Epaphroditus, the messenger that was sent to him, almost died. Why didn't Paul just heal Epaphroditus? he was ill. . Indeed he was ill, and almost died . In this world, we will have tribulation, but we ought not to fear because He has overcome this world. Verse 30 tells us. The birth of a new child, a wedding between believers, an answer to prayer: all of these are reasons to rejoice. While there is precious little . However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. Paul had the gift of healing didn't he? Paul had used the gift of healing in a number of instances (even healing an entire city) [1] but often we read that he did not have the apparent ability to heal. We're continuing our three-part study of, 'Model Spiritual Servants.' In this wonderful second chapt And Paul who had miraculously healed so many left Trophimus at Miletus sick (II Timothy 4:20). But this did not lead him to write off Epaphroditus's illness as unchangeable or beyond healing. Mutual rejoicing - In Romans 12:15, Paul said to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.". 9 This man heard Paul speaking. We can believe Him to, but we cannot require Him to. Healing is of the Lord. 2. 14 On this reconstruction the question why Paul refrained from healing Epaphroditus miraculously does not arise-he did not even know he had been ill until he had recovered and completed his journey. He may/may not have healed Epaphroditus, it just doesn t seem to be important to the narrative. Ultimately only God can . Epaphroditus was an apostle of the Philippian church (Phil. 1. Let me tell you what the name means, in case you are thinking of naming a child. And some works of flesh spawn disease. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick. 8 At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. Did paul heal or did God through Paul Healed? 4.20) and prescribed wine for Timothy s chronic illnesses (1 Tim. However, this is not a position adopted by the writers of the New Testament which, despite the many miraculous healings that are recorded, also makes reference to Christians who were sick and who did not find immediate supernatural healing. 2:25,27,30 "Epaphroditus . . No, not anymore. If not, it is completely unreasonable to question the revelation of God through Jesus, who healed everyone who came to him and everyone who touched him, because Paul failed to leave Trophimus well. The nine passages above is the extent of our knowledge about Paul's brother coworker, and fellow soldier as well as the messenger from Philippi. Epaphroditus's name is of pagan origin. Paul. But Eusebius included a lot of very early . 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.

why did paul not heal epaphroditus