But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my … co-worker…
Summary: In this meditation, we look at Paul’s use of the word “synergós.” Considering what we know of Paul’s work for the Lord, we gain some insight into Epaphroditus’s work, too.
The Greek word Paul used for “co-worker” is “synergós.” As you may have already guessed, “synergós” is one of the roots of our word for “synergy.”
Strong’s Lexicon defines “synergós” as “a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor:—companion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.”*
So, what does this tell us about Epaphroditus? What I see in this passage is the suggestion that Epaphroditus was involved in the same kind of work as Paul. But what does that mean?
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes the work as being that of a servant assigned a task by the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
In his description, he says that one plants a seed while another waters it. Both servants are serving the same master, and both are serving the same end, tending “God’s field.” Since Paul uses the same word, “synergós,” in his letter to Corinth, it seems reasonable to conclude that his words apply in this context as well.
The use of “brother” to describe Epaphroditus is very different than co-worker. A brother is a member of a family. The word says nothing about what they do or what kind of work they are called to. To be a co-worker is to be out in the “field” doing hard labor.
To be sure, Epaphroditus was not one to sit around the house. Traveling from Philippi to Rome in those days was not for the faint of heart.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes what travel was like. He describes dangers that plagued him along the road. These include rivers, bandits, Jews and Gentiles, danger in both the country and in the city, and danger at sea (2 Corinthians 11:26-27). As we will learn in the next few verses, there is also danger from illness.
The fact that Epaphroditus dared to take on these risks in support of Paul testifies to his faith in God and his dedication to the Lord’s work. If someone considers you a co-worker in the Lord’s work, that is high praise, indeed.
Application: Whatever you are called to do for the Lord, think of Epaphroditus and do likewise.
Food for Thought: When it comes to being a co-worker in the Kingdom of God, how are the workers paid?
*”G4904 – synergos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 29 Aug, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4904/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
There are many possible answers. There are rewards in Heaven. But I prefer to think of the ultimate reward as pleasing God, being in intimate communion with Him, and hearing “well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Thank you, Rich!
Hearing “well done!” is one of those intangibles that makes it all worth while. 🙂
I like Rich’s answer.
In meditating on the question and looking through different verses/passages on the subject, the one that resonated with me is this:
Matthew 10:8-10 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
I believe part of the “work” for the worker in the Kingdom is working joyfully, that is freely and without thoughts of personal gain, letting go of self, in gratitude for what God has already given, and in trusting He has provided for our needs already. That God is just, and we are becoming an agent to His justice. So the wages of the work are becoming more Christ-like.
Thanks, Chris!
“… the wages of the work are becoming more Christ-like.”
That in itself is very worthwhile.
When it comes to being a co-worker in the Kingdom of God, how are the workers paid?
God calls and empowers all those who have chosen to seek life in obedience to His will over their own. What do we do with what we have been given?
Matthew 20:1-16, We see workers being called at different times, and all those responding are being paid the same wage.
1.The Master reaches out to people to work in his vineyard. vs 1-7
2.The Master pays everyone an equal salary for their work, vs 1-13
3.The Master pays workers fairly, His Grace is superior to their works.vs 14-16.
We cannot claim to be better than others because we have been saved!
Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Luke 23:39-43, The thief on the cross, whose life of service was limited to a moment of repentance and confession of faith in Christ, received the same reward of eternal life as the apostle Paul. Scripture also teaches that there are different rewards in heaven for different services, but the ultimate reward of eternal life will be achieved by all equally.
Believers shall all receive the same gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Those like Paul who have sacrificially dedicated their lives on earth, to serving others through Christ, shall receive crowns as determined by God.
Ephesians 4:11-12, And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.
Philippians 4:1, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Ron,
Thank you! I especially appreciate the reminder about the workers who all get paid the same. God’s abundant gift of life is so great that we cannot comprehend any difference between one and the other.