Behind-the-scenes Service - Epaphroditus

I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, coworker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

Philippians 2:25-26

Ask the typical football fan to tell you who played the key roles in last Sunday’s game, and he will probably talk about the stars of the contest—the quarterback who threw for three hundred yards, the tailback who scored two touchdowns, the wide receiver who caught eight passes, or the linebacker who made thirteen tackles. For the most part, even the most rabid football fans don’t pay enough attention to know the names of the players who do the little things that make their team successful.

The same thing is true of believers who do the little things necessary to make the church function effectively.

Consider the example of Epaphroditus, a New Testament–era follower of Jesus. If you were to ask most believers of his day to identify him, you might get that faint look of partial recognition you wear when you can sort of recall a name but can’t for the life of you place the person.

Although Epaphroditus remains in relative obscurity due to his brief mention in Scripture, Paul considered him an important part of his ministry. Epaphroditus was Paul’s “brother, coworker, and fellow soldier,” as well as his trusted messenger when the apostle languished in prison.

Many believers, like Epaphroditus, played key roles in beginning the early church. We may not know their names or their stories, but we know that these supporting players now walk the streets of heaven with Jesus Christ, enjoying the rewards of their faithful service.

Not everyone is called to be a star in the Lord’s service, but that doesn’t mean that what you do for his Kingdom doesn’t catch God’s eye. It does! Your work is also important to those you have the privilege of serving.