What We Know From Scripture
Philippians 2:25–30
Called Paul’s brother, companion in labour, and fellowsoldier
Sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul’s needs
Became gravely ill—nearly died in service
Paul attributes his recovery to God’s mercy, not to miraculous healing
Reflects a dispensational shift from Kingdom-era miracles to providential care
Paul expresses emotional sorrow and concern for both Epaphroditus and the Philippians
Urges the church to honor such men who risk their lives in ministry
Philippians 4:18
Delivered the Philippians’ material gift to Paul
Paul calls their support a fragrant offering, acceptable and well-pleasing to God
Epaphroditus acted as a priestly representative of the church’s generosity
His trustworthiness and integrity are assumed in the handling of this task
Church Traditions
Listed among the Seventy Disciples in later ecclesiastical tradition
Venerated in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches
Said to have served as bishop of Philippi, Andriaca, or Terracina
Feast celebrated on January 4 (or January 17 Julian) during the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles
Scriptural Record
Acts 20:4
Part of the delegation carrying Gentile relief to Jerusalem
Identified as being from Asia, likely Ephesus
Accompanied Paul through Macedonia and Asia
Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7–8
Described as a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellowservant
Delivered epistles to Ephesus and Colossae
Entrusted with reporting Paul’s condition and encouraging the churches
Titus 3:12
Considered for temporary replacement of Titus in Crete
2 Timothy 4:12
Sent to Ephesus, likely to support or replace Timothy
Church Traditions
Included among the Seventy Apostles in Eastern tradition
Feast celebrated January 4 as part of the Synaxis of the Seventy
Said to have been bishop of Colophon, Chalcedon, or Caesarea
Traditions are inconsistent and based more on veneration than historical certainty
Scriptural Record
Philemon 10–14
Converted under Paul’s imprisonment
Once “unprofitable,” now “profitable” (a play on his name)
Paul sends him back to Philemon with deep affection
Desired to keep Onesimus, but refrains to honor Philemon’s authority
Philemon 15–18
Paul suggests Onesimus’s departure was providential
Now to be received not as a servant, but a beloved brother
Possibly raises questions of physical kinship (“in the flesh”)
Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes
Philemon 19–25
Paul reaffirms his offer in his own handwriting
Trusts Philemon will do more than requested
Requests lodging for a possible visit
Sends final greetings from ministry team
Colossians 4:9
Travels with Tychicus
Called “one of you,” confirming his Colossian origin
Commended as a “faithful and beloved brother”
Church Traditions
Included among the Seventy Apostles in church tradition
Said to have served as bishop of Byzantium and later Ephesus
Martyred under Roman persecution
Feast celebrated on February 15/16 in Eastern and Western churches
Honored as Saint Onesimus in Roman Catholic tradition
