EPAPHRODITUS: A Leader Who Didn't Make A Name For Himself (Philippians 2:25-30)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Several leaders in the Bible qualify as "nobodies". They never became famous, like Moses or David or Paul, but remained obscure, even though they played a vital role in the kingdom. Epaphroditus was such a man.

Epaphroditus is mentioned only in Philippians. No books were ever written about him, to him, or by him. We know of no statues or memorials erected to him. He was a "nobody" who became a "somebody" to Paul. He ran all the way from Philippi to Rome to join Paul in prison and minister to him. He also carried this letter back home to the Philippians. Note how Paul describes him:

1. A People Lover
Paul calls him a minister. He feels distressed that the Philippians might worry about him when he became sick (vv. 25,26).

2. A Risk Taker
Paul calls him a fellow soldier. He keeps on risking his life when most would have pampered themselves (vv. 25,30).

3. A Tireless Worker
Paul calls him a fellow worker. We know little about his illness, except that it was tied to his hard work (vv. 25,27).

4. A Servant-Leader
Paul calls him a messenger. Paul tells the church to give him a hero's welcome (vv. 25,29). He both led and served as he became a spokesman for the church.