Bible Strands
Philippians 2:25
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian believers from imprisonment, announcing his decision to return Epaphroditus to them after the man's illness and recovery.
The words — Ἀναγκαῖον (anagkaion) means "necessary," and ἡγησάμην (hēgēsamēn) translates to "I considered" or "I esteemed," forming Paul's deliberate judgment to send Epaphroditus back.
The thread — Paul identifies Epaphroditus as the bearer of the Philippians' gift in Philippians 4:18 and applies the same relational titles to Timothy in Philemon 1:1 and to other gospel coworkers in Philippians 4:3.
Why it lands — The text describes a returning messenger as brother, coworker, and soldier who ministers to Paul's needs, requiring the church to actively receive and value those who bridge spiritual partnership with practical service.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Cross-references
- Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
- Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
- Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- Colossians 1:7 You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
- Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
- 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
- Colossians 4:11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- 2 Timothy 2:3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.