Epaphroditus

(beloved, excellent) (Phil. 2:25; 4:18) — one of the Seventy Apostles, companion and fellow worker of the Apostle Paul, mentioned twice in the Epistle to the Philippians; he lived in the city of Philippi and was sent by the church of that city to visit the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in bonds at Rome and to bring him assistance. While in Rome, Epaphroditus fell dangerously ill, but soon recovered. “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death,” says the Apostle Paul of this circumstance, “but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow” (2:25 [27]). According to ancient tradition, he was the first bishop of Philippi. His memory is celebrated on January 4.