Philippians 2:25

‘But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,'

Paul stresses that his sending of Epaphroditus was ‘of necessity'. These words may have been put in lest they got the idea that Epaphroditus had let the side down by leaving Paul in the lurch (note how he builds Epaphroditus up and stresses the reason for his being sent), or may have been simply because he felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus in person in order to allay their fears. Combined with this may have been the necessity arising from the fact that 1). until he could release Timothy he had no other reliable messenger, 2). there was a necessity arising from the dissensions that had arisen in Philippi (Philippians 4:2) and 3). there was a necessity to advise them in respect of the false teachers that had come among them, or were expected to come among them (Philippians 3:2; Philippians 3:18).

We should note that the name Epaphroditus was a common one around that time, possibly connecting his family with the one-time worship of Aphrodite. It abbreviates to Epaphras, but it was common enough for us not necessarily to connect him with the Epaphras in Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23.

Paul provides a fourfold description of him. Firstly he was ‘my brother', a term of affection and endearment, demonstrating the close relationship that he had with Paul. Secondly he was a fellow-worker, that is, he had faithfully served with Paul in the trying and dangerous circumstances of his activities in his prison in Rome. Thirdly he was a fellow-soldier, because he had bravely faced up to danger and even the possibility of death for Paul's sake. And fourthly he had been their messenger (apostolos; compare 2 Corinthians 8:23) and minister (leitourgos - one commissioned to serve, minister in religious matters, great benefactor) in the meeting of Paul's need. He had been a true follower of the Servant King.