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View all posts by Christian Publishing House, UASV DAILY DEVOTIONAL, TUESDAY, MARCH 01, 2022. adherents? Timothys return from Macedonia mentioned in Acts 18:5 is also reported in 1 Thessalonians 3:6. with this letter. I don't think so. But the multiplicity of Paul's experience with his companions regarding healing is giving me a sort of concern. 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.. You won't die prematurely, so go ahead and take some So the writing of 1 and 2 Thessalonians can be placed into Acts 18 during Pauls ministry in Corinth, and that makes them the second and third letters that Paul wrote. Gospels mercy is connected with healing, because we deserve death. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? It others. with Paul helping him?". They were sent by Jesus Christ. If the gift of healing was still in operation, it's unlikely that Paul would have said to use something to merely "help" with your "infirmities." Paul had the gift of healing didn't he? The Greek word finds its origin in a Shortly after that Paul traveled to Macedonia (see Acts 20:1 and 2 Cor. 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. Epaphroditus was at the door of death. We need to know and be (Acts 28:9) Then, the argument goes, why was Paul unable to heal his coworker, Epaphroditus? First, let us review Epaphroditus mission. It was a title of great honor. 'The cup of cold water' given 'in the name of a disciple' is grateful to the lips of the Master. The word "reputation" is the Greek word kenoo, it means: "to make empty." How about the Gift of Faith, do we not all have Faith, so how does this work when a person has a Gift of Faith? used for minister is deokonos -- deacon. God owes us nothing! Amen. apostolic delegate. 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 on your feet. And he leaped up and began to walk. Why wasn't Pauls companion healed that day, I have no clue. Have you ever watched Therefore, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with his letter to the Philippians so that they could stop worrying and rejoice too (2:25-30). All deeds done from the same motive are the same, however different they may be in regard to the material on which they are wrought. Welcome to BHSE! It was their aim to visit the prisoners and the sick, especially those Epaphroditus wasn't sick because of sin, he was sick because of the work of Christ 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. This is not the attitude of Christ: Christ's attitude was to give up his life to meet the needs of others: The Bible teaches that we are to give up our lives in order to save them. This isn't to say that God doesn't or won't heal today, because this is obviously not true, but the "laying on of hands" by a man (as a 'gift') has all but ceased, and yet there are still 'healing teachers' out there in the world today teaching a false gospel, having "healing revivals" that come to nought, etc. Paul. Why didn't Paul just heal Epaphroditus? (See below left). Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 0 Responses "Epaphroditus is here to do what you can't do because you're so far away.". Faithful service is most surely bought by hearty praise. well established church, to straighten out their doctrine. Here is the deal, without faith you cannot receive the word of God. If you check take that Tour, and read other Q's, A's, and comments, you'll notice we're a group of people from numerous religions and beliefs, not needing anyone telling us who's right and who's wrongjust discussing what we see in Scripture. 1:14). Those things are just as Paul also had another concern on his heart. Those who work in the tape ministry are my 11:23; 15:3; Gal. The letters are also arranged by lengthRomans is longest and is first, then the Corinthian letters, then Galatians, etc. 1:2) and Titus (Tit. he was sick. Most who do not believe in Divine Healing have not been taught the TRUTH of what the Word really says. Once on his way again, he was distressed, i.e., depressed because he continued to entertain and cultivate such irrational thoughts as. Have you taken the tour of our site yet? In our ministry, we (my wife and I) operate in the Gifts of the Spirit almost every Sunday and Wednesday. Likewise in 2 Timothy 4:20, Paul has to leave behind his co-worker Trophimus who had fallen sick on the last journey. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. fellow laborers, they send out what I teach to others around the country. 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 is there a need for healing leaves from the tree in Revelations? I have had people want to debate on this wine issue by saying that "wine isn't medicine," which is to split hairs (weak rebuttal that holds no ground). able to defend doctrine. This word is only used two other times in the New Testament, both of them of Christ Timothy, whom we looked at last week, was a gifted preacher and It comes from two 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]. We but feebly echo Paul's rapture when he thought that there was 'neither Barbarian or Scythian, bond or free, but all were one in Christ Jesus,' and for all our talk about the unity of humanity and the like, we permit the old gulfs of separation to gape as deeply as ever. Many say that Epaphroditus was homesick. Doctors (Cardiologists ) gave me two weeks to go for surgery due to a leak in my valve which caused my heart to dilate and other things. No, the answer is that God's program had changed. This . serve, you can meet physical needs. There is healing today, but there is no gift of healing, there are no divine healers. There is no gift of healing today but God still heals sometimes. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. delivering the money and someone who would work so closely with the apostle would have to be himself and God exalted him. But in this time period, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Paul tells us that the Lord had revealed to him that these gifts would cease some day. He uses this word in verses 25 and 28. It came from God, and God could and apparently did choose to slowly withdraw the gift of miraculous healing from the Early Church. where it ends for many, they are brothers, but not for Epaphroditus. Pages 482-483. I also believe the Word tells us in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Since no exercise of the gift of healing is recorded past about ?._. Whether there were so or no, the exhortation itself traces lightly but surely the lines on which Christians should render, and their fellow-Christians can rightly receive, even praise from men. He modeled the kenosis, he The Name: Epaphroditus was a common name, a shortened form of it is Epaphrus, used in Epaphroditus was a Christian who lived in Philippi. In fact, we are so accustomed to recovering from sickness that we are often surprised when we or others take a long time to get over what we regard as routine illnesses. In a while, don't be surprised to have this "answer" you've given disappear. Some scholars also believe that before news of this illness reached Philippi, the Philippian Christians may have thought that Epaphroditus had proved unreliable because of his delay in returning to Philippi. Medical practice is from God but cannot take the place of God to them who believe. In this case, Paul did pray for healing, but his request was denied. How did Paul and his companions purify themselves in the account of Acts 21:26? Let me ask a question: Acts 2:21 Peter is preaching after receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit: 21 and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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. sick. for a possible gain. But the promise that He gave to Paul is still our promise today in the dispensation of grace: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. He healed Epaphroditus, but He did not heal Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 or in Galatians 4:13-15, or Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23, or Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20. A shoulder-to-shoulder fighting Are we a sunergos, a fellow worker? I think sometimes it is wise to not isolate the Gift of Healing when we think about these questions. Spam, February 08 2023 on Phil no. I let me congregation of brothers and sisters down, The brothers in Philippi must think that I am incompetent. PROVERBS 1:1 How can we accept the majority of Proverbs by Solomon when Solomon did what was evil in the eyes of God? Paul used this word in: It is a strong inward desire for the Philippians. A place where magic is studied and practiced? But, Paul explains, God had mercy on Epaphroditus. 1 Corinthians 7:5. 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. The congregation in Philippi loved this man so much, they did not want him to die. View our current career opportunities. The normal word The gift of healing had ceased to operate, along with the other sign gifts. He comes back to the theme in the last words of the context, where he says that the Philippian messenger had 'hazarded' his life, or, as we might put it with equal accuracy and more force, had 'gambled' his life, or 'staked it on the die' for Paul's sake. Events, what people say, and circumstances do not cause mental distress, anxiety, or depression. means: "to throw down a stake, to roll the dice." In fact, it is the words we tell ourselves about people, self, experiences, life, in general, God, the future, the past, the present. The principle here is that "God exalts the humble." So far as we read in these three letters, we wouldnt even know that there had been a gift of tongues.. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? (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." Epaphroditus is also called: "The one who ministered to my need" -- The word "minister" is leitourgos. Epaphroditus felt extreme guilt as though he had failed in his mission from the Philippian congregation, having to let them down, so he grew depressed. Why did Paul not heal Trophimus? So, to sum up what we have seen so far, from Acts 9 through Acts 28 we read of the earlier ministry of the Apostle Paul and find that during these years he wrote 6 of his 13 letters. We need to recapture a spirit of hard work in the social realm. So why didn't he heal Epaphroditus? Paul was released from this imprisonment and continued his ministry for a few years, perhaps 3 years. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. The miracles of healing that the Honestly, because the power to heal didn't originate from within Paul. Acts 28:25-28 stands as Gods last words to the nation of Israel for nearly two millennia. Testament use of this word. Not only did He save the former Pharisee, but He also gave Paul ext Epaphroditus. I think that in our day the church has lost the ergos, the work, toil, or effort that we should be For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Cor. The facts are simple; if we look at the context and the account, there was actually nothing for Paul to heal. He tells them why they are to feel bad because he is sick. However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. Apart from Acts arguably Luke or Paul wrote it and Paul wrote the others - does anyone else say Paul could do miracles? The question has always been: when? And, again, in places where we would have expected Paul to mention the sign gifts, he is silent. In Acts 17, Paul, on his second apostolic journey, came to Thessalonica and preached there. Even medical doctors who are saved will tell you they rely on the power of God all the time and will encourage their patients to rely on God Who is the only healer. We need to labor in the area of evangelism. The first fact about him is, that he was one of the Philippian Christians, and sent by them to Rome, with some pecuniary or material help, such as comforts for Paul's prison-house, food, clothing, or money. The word "necessary" is the Greek word anagkaios, it means: "indispensable, what one cannot We'd like to help. . Yes, they really had had these experiences. The fact that Paul performed many miracles means that he exercised divine power at the behest of the divine will. man we can identify with. At all events he gladly undertook even servile work for love of Paul. Epaphroditus emptied himself and Paul tells the Philippians to [5] Lightfoot John Lightfoot, A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica, 4 vols. Epaphroditus was not distressed, i.e., depressed because he got sick, [8] because he let down his brothers and sisters in the Philippian congregation, or because he felt as though he had failed Paul. But we read that Epaphroditus was healeddirectly by the Lord: He was sick unto death but the Lord had mercy on him.. He didn't want them to Theyve been taught that a person has to speak in tongues to prove that he is really saved, or that he really has the Holy Spirit dwelling within. Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a Paul sees Epaphroditus' ministry to him as Intense negative thinking will always lead to at least a minor depressive episode or mere painful emotion. Paul was imprisoned in Rome for his faith. Ye shall notprint any marks upon you (Lev. Epaphroditus was also a common noun. The word "receive" means: "to receive to one's self. We have what I Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Interested in joining the Ligonier team? Paul mentions Epaphroditus again near the close of his letter: "I have received full payment and have more than enough. As we have seen, Paul was able to heal many sick people all through the Book of Acts. Following Christ's example, we should be willing to lay down our lives to meet the needs of It was his brethren who were exhorted to receive their own messenger back again 'in the Lord with all joy, and to hold him in honour.' programs. God healed me of heart disease. 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. He could not merely raise anyone from the dead he chose to, nor could he heal anyone he chose to because he only exercise divine power under the direction of the divine will (1 Cor 12:6, 11). The Philippian church would not have trusted a novice with What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? 14:30-33). But the The first 6 of Pauls letters can be fit into the Book of Actswe can read Acts and then read Pauls letters and we can see where Paul was when he wrote these letters. co-laborer with Paul, but with God. He and all his brethren are gone, but his name lives for ever, and Paul's praise of him and of his work outshines all else remembered of the city, where conquerors once reigned, and outside whose walls was fought a battle that decided for a time the fate of the world. When Jesus said in Mark 16:17-20 that these signs shall follow those who believe. Historians tell us that he had a very common name. They labor in setting up the Are history, used all through the LXX to refer to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and the were operating all through the Book of Acts, and these gifts are mentioned in the letters that Paul wrote during the Acts period. Hello Uche Ogu, welcome to BHSE, glad to have you with us! Was it because he had lost his faith, as some would tell us? Paul is clear that we do not need miracles for the completion and equipping of our faith, but the Word of God. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. All believers share this bond, 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. "Almost Philippians 1:25, and note), was not, it seems, continuous; both were exercised only in accordance with the revealed will of God and on occasions of especial moment. 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. Timothy was suffering stomach problems and frequent infirmities (1 Tim. One of the most celebrated goddesses of the ancient world. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. But, what happened? Paul was saved in Acts 9 when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. 0 Responses Paul uses this as a term of affection. All others were not apostles of Jesus Bible. However, verses 2:26-28 tell us that Epaphroditus grew sick, to the point of death (vs. 27), while he was on his way to Rome. We are not to selfishly guard our lives, we are to give them away in ministry to others. For those people, he believed it was best to get married and satisfy their urges legally. Timothy was sick and he didn't heal him: Why didn't Paul heal his friends? He risked his life as a gambler will take risks Paul would go on to write 13 letters in the New Testamentfrom the Letter to the Romans to the Letter to Philemon. He tells us in verses 26-28. He did not act on his own. I equally agree that it's always according to God's will. B. In verses 26-28, we are given the reasons for The ship sails across the track of the moonlight, and then vanishes ghost-like into darkness. Paul's physical needs, it was spiritual. Why would he not heal his friend? We are to labor in calling men to be reconciled to God. It is a compound word from And this will we do, if God permit." somebody around an AIDS patient? other words, they were to receive him as the Lord would receive him. to worry about me. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 120. I mean, I was a 1% biker, I did many many bad things which I will not glorify. Notice that it was the work "of Christ." He was Paul's fellow laborer. and they sure wouldn't have sent a lazy man. [3] After dealing with his sickness, which caused him to delay his efforts to help Paul, he traveled on to Rome. All this was done in a church in Austin, Texas with an Evangelist from Virginia working through the Gifts of the Spirit, ie, Word of Knowledge, working of miracles, gifts of healing. Do you know who my co-laborers are? He was an apostolic delegate. I didn't have money for the surgery as directed by the cardiologists but I stayed on healings scriptures. No wonder that men were eager to risk their lives for a leader who lavished such praise and such love upon them. Many were saved, but Paul was driven out of town. that Paul didn't heal. What evidence is there the writer of Revelation was aware of the apostle Paul? forget about them." sacrificial. 'The cup of cold water' given 'in the name of a disciple' is grateful to the lips of the Master. Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV). financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry Epaphroditus means "belonging to Aphrodite" [1] which was an idiom meaning "lovely or handsome". sorrow." The Lord does the same thing for us today, although the little blessings He provides often go unnoticed. Epaphroditus wasn't the only friend It is clear that the gift of healing has ceased because, as in Philippians, Paul was no longer able to heal, even his co-workers. It means: "messenger or sent one." Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Epaphroditus was evidently healed through the Lords direct, miraculous intervention, perhaps via the gifts of healing that some believers possessed during the Apostolic era (1 Cor. The But then He tells them that even while they were doing these things, He had never ever known them. Thanks. 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. two to his relationship with the Philippian church. A caressing hand on a horse's neck is better than a whip. Paul commends Epaphroditus very highly for his faithfulness even unto death. What did the apostle Paul use the gift of tongues for? 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. But, during this time in the Book of Acts, the Lord revealed to Paul that the sign gifts were going to cease1 Corinthians 13:8-12. The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. Once saved, his spirit is completely made Brand New, is this not a miracle? Cyprian, the Christian bishop, Why would the apostle Paul "delay" being baptized (Acts 22:16)? our other elder. If our hearts are set to 'hallow all we find,' the most secular duties will be acts of worship. 2 Responses Many in this movement even say shocking claims such as the erroneous idea that being poor is a sin, and that if you are sick, "it's your fault that you're sick." 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 they also may know the joy of loving the Lord Jesus Christ." The kenosis of Christ is the attitude that he had that led him to divest himself of any concern for 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. ESV - Epaphroditus was sent by the church at Philippi with gifts of support to bring to Paul who was living under house arrest in Rome. The order of these first six books is: In Acts 21 Paul was arrested and remained a prisoner through to Acts 28, and beyond. Stop speaking in the tongue because it is not from the Holy Spirit. He as a spiritually mature man. back" but "send." The sign gifts, tongues, prophecy, the gift of healing, etc. We don't have survived without him but that's not how Epaphroditus saw it. 16:23). goddess of luck. That wonder-workering saints are not miracle-mills? Having seen the pattern of truth regarding the gifts, we need to ask, why did the gifts cease at this time? 12:12; Heb. Please don't tell me that Miracles have ceased because Salvation is the Greatest MIRACLE that can happen in any persons life. [3] Apparently on the way to Rome, Epaphroditus fell sick. Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. the heathen threw out the bodies of their dead and fled in terror. Paul did not need this gift anymore because his authority as an apostle was already established. , , , , , 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, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. 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). 12:9). soon meaning: "together with" and stratiotes meaning: "soldier." He has authored ninety-five books. The word of God is a Spirit. Most of us do the opposite of Epaphroditus, we regard our life as a thing so precious that it is to Finally at the end of his life he is again in prison. Remember that God is not a man that He should lie. But when we turn to the letters written after the Book of Actsthe 4 Prison Epistles, and the 3 Pastoral Epistles, we find that the sign gifts either arent mentioned at all or we seeas with the gift of healingthat they were no longer operating in Pauls life. 13:8).1. children so you can listen to the Word of God. Epaphroditus lived out Philippians 2:1-16, he is the "Loving Gambler.". Healing was a sign gift that I believe faded away as the great commission was accomplished. Christ emptied The word "longing" is epipotheo, it 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. 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. Of note: Reference Hebrews 6:2-3 which says: "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. He also raised Eutychus from the dead, he also was immune to snake bite etc. of beauty, mother of love, queen of laughter, mistress of the graces and pleasures and also the Instead, God graciously healed him in this instance. The reason why Paul didn't heal Trophimus is because he no longer had the 'gift' of healing. In fact, he would have probably sent a handkerchief or even went to him, personally, if possible, and laid hands on him and healed him instantly. 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. Paul teaches that it's the "Word of Faith" which we preach. The gift of tongues, prophecy and knowledge during the Acts period were only in partthey were incomplete, they did not communicate the full knowledge that the Lord had to reveal. The word "sick" is astheneo, it means: "to be feeble, weak, sick.