A Quick Look at Epaphroditus in the Bible Quiz

Answer: Philippians

Epaphroditus is mentioned in only the book of Philippians. His name appears in Philippians 2:25 and again in 4:18. Philippians is one of thirteen books the apostle Paul is credited with writing. The book was addressed to believers in the early church at Philippi, a city in Greece.

Answer: Paul

Going strictly by Scripture, Epaphroditus labored alongside Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul was under house arrest in Rome when Epaphroditus was apparently commissioned by members of the early church in Philippi to present a care package, or love offering, to help bolster his ministry to the Gentiles.

Answer: soldier

The missing word, soldier, is used in the KJV, NKJV and the NIV. In the thirteen books Paul is credited with writing, he refers to church workers as soldiers on four different occasions.

In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul describes Timothy as "a good soldier of Jesus Christ" and then writes, "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."

Then in Philemon 1:2, Paul describes Archippus as "our fellow soldier". While there is no conclusive proof, it is believed by many Archippus was the son of Philemon.

The fact that Epaphroditus is described as a soldier seems to indicate he was highly regarded in the early church.

Answer: He became seriously ill.

According to Scripture, Epaphroditus became seriously ill as he labored to spread the Gospel message. No details are given about his illness, however. The fact that he was seriously sick is mentioned in Philippians 2:26-27.

Answer: True

True. Philippians 2:26-27 tells of Epaphroditus becoming seriously ill, "almost unto death". However, Paul, the writer of Philippians, goes on to state, "but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow."

No further details are given, but there is a strong implication in the verses Paul and other believers were fervently praying for Epaphroditus when he became seriously ill.

Answer: With "all gladness" and hold him in esteem

When Epaphroditus returned to Philippi, believers in the early church were urged to receive him with "all gladness" and to hold him in esteem.

Here's how Paul urges the Philippians to receive him, as per Philippians 2:28-29 in the NKJV: "Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem."

Answer: False

False. There is no indication in Scripture about Epaphroditus being a dynamic speaker in the early church who performed countless miracles. It's possible such was the case, but going by Scripture, the correct answer has to be false. The suggestion in Scripture is Epaphroditus worked tirelessly behind the scenes supporting Paul in his endeavors to preach the Gospel.

Answer: A sweet-smelling aroma

In Philippians 4:18, Paul describes the gifts he received from the Philippian church, via Epaphroditus, as "a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God."

In the NIV, the gifts are described as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

Meanwhile, in the KJV, the gifts are described as "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God."

No details are given about the gifts presented, however.

Answer: True

It is generally believed Epaphroditus delivered the book Philippians to believers in the early church at Philippi, on behalf of Paul. This belief is based on the fact Philippians 4:28 makes mention to people in Philippi that Epaphroditus was being sent back to them and they were to warmly receive him. Verse 29 goes on to state Epaphroditus should be held in "esteem" in the NKJV.

In the NIV, it states Epaphroditus was to be received with "honor".

Answer: Aphrodite

Epaphroditus' name is derived from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty and pleasure. Aphrodite is linked with the planet Venus, which was named after the Roman goddess Venus, according to Wikipedia.