But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother…
Summary: Paul’s reference to Epaphroditus as a “brother” is a good excuse to consider what it means to be part of God’s family.
Paul has given Epaphroditus several titles. It might be useful to take a closer look at each one and see what we can learn from them.
The first title given to Epaphroditus is “Brother.”
We can be fairly certain that Paul is referring to the metaphorical sense of the word, rather than Epaphroditus being a blood relation. But is it just symbolic?
In Christian terms, a “brother” or “sister” is usually thought of as a “brother in Christ” or a “sister in Christ.” Obviously, this leads us to the question of what it means to be “in Christ.”
Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with these words: “To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi…” (Philippians 1:1).
Paul uses similar language in his letter to the Romans. In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul describes his view of salvation. Somehow, when we look to Jesus for our salvation, we become part of him. Paul says:
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)
Then there is the fact that Jesus taught that all believers have “one Father” (Matthew 23:9). Paul echoes this in his letter to the Galatians when he says “in Christ” we who believe are all “children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26).
So, we and Epaphroditus have this in common: we trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and we understand God is our Father.
Paul is correct, then, to say that Epaphroditus is a “brother.” All who believe are part of God’s family, and all of us have one Father, God, and are brothers and sisters with all believers.
Epaphroditus might have a special bond with Paul, but in fact, all believers are part of the same family.
Application: Remember that we are all part of the same family
Food for Thought: What does it mean to you to be a “brother” or “sister” in Christ?
What does it mean to you to be a “brother” or “sister” in Christ?
To me it means understanding that we are all part of the same body. It reminds me of John 15 and the description of Jesus as the true vine. We might all be different, look different, act differently but at the end of the day, we are all part of the same body.
On the flip side, it also means fulfilling the command given to us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Like the example given in the previous post of the mom caring for her son who was in an accident, that’s how we are to show up for one another. One thing to note in Phil 2:25 was that Epaphroditus was originally sent to help Paul in his time of need and now Paul is sending him back to help in their time of need. To me that’s a clear example that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be readily available to be used by God in one way or another to be a blessing to someone in need.
I’m pretty sure I rambled but hope anything I said made sense.
Hi Lucy!
Rambling is welcome here! 🙂
Thank you for pointing us to John 15 and Jesus as “the Vine.” It is another very visual illustration of our need to be connected to God both spiritually and by conscious choice.
Well said!
What does it mean to you to be a “brother” or “sister” in Christ?
When I was a child and I heard people refer to each other as “Brother or Sister ‘Smith'” I thought it was an official title. That actually tracks with looking at it grammatically. Now I believe it to be more a reverence to God, that by calling each other brother or sister, we are recognizing our restoration to God through Christ. So, one goes from “Smith” to “Brother Smith”, it highlights the new creation we become in Christ. So, when I call someone brother or sister, by doing so, I am submitting to Christ in me, and in doing so, I view them in the love of Christ.
Hebrews 2:11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. Therefore he is not ashamed to call them brothers.
So what does that mean for me?
That I recognize the special bond we have in Christ. That I both share my needs and help provide for their needs. That I give grace and accept grace as God has provided. That I work alongside my brothers and sisters to do God’s good work.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God; everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Romans 12:4-5 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing! I like the transition you share from “title” to “relationship.”
It means we are blood relatives. That blood being the blood of Christ that has redeemed us and unites us into one family. Jesus sees this bond as stronger than our own blood relatives, perhaps we should as well.
Matthew 12: 46 – 50: While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”48He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Thank you, Rich.
Excellent point! I completely agree we should see our spiritual bond the way you describe. You make me wonder if how we see our relationships with others is a reflection of our faith.
WOW, Great meditation and comments today!
What does it mean to you to be a “brother” or “sister” in Christ?
Jesus explains how our christian family is seen and known by our obedience to God which creates relationships built on faith with deeper bonds than our earthly family.
Mathew 12:50, For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
God instructed Paul to record, how believers are to give priority to building peaceful, uplifting relationships with all as we seek to help each other grow in faith.
Romans 14:19, Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
We are not meant to walk this Christian life alone. We are called to acknowledge, encourage, and support our brothers and sisters as their needs dictate. It is life knowing and being part of God’s family being spiritually woven into a community of believers, empowered and held together in the power of the love of Jesus Christ.
The early church demonstrated this truth of deep unity and generosity as they chose to live as a true family, sharing life together. We live in different homes, work at different, but we are spiritually joined and held together in Gods family by our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:44, All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Thank you, Ron!
“We are not meant to walk this Christian life alone.”
Absolutely true!