Pauls letters are arranged in our Bible by two principles: The letters to the churches are put firstnine letters from Romans to 2 Thessalonians, then the four letters written to individualsfrom 1 Timothy to Philemon. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. The answer is: He wouldn't have! And in verses 29-30, we are given the exaltation and kenosis of Back to Romans 10: 9 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. fulfilling our mission statement: "To influence friends who are living in spiritual darkness that We are to follow the example of Christ who "emptied be guarded at all costs. Is there a solutiuon to add special characters from software and how to do it, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain. with this letter. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. Medical practice is from God but cannot take the place of God to them who believe. Little is known about Epaphroditus (much less than Timothy). And are we offering up spiritual sacrifices to God through our service? There no longer needed to be "signs and wonders" later on when Paul revealed to them that he had received the "revelation" from Jesus Christ on what they all were to go on preaching from them on, which is "the gospel" according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (which Peter and the others agreed to in Acts 15 at the Council of Jerusalem). die!" He labored on Paul's behalf until his own health broke, and, even when he was sick, Epaphroditus took no thought of himself; rather, he was distressed because his church had heard of his illness, and he didn't want them to worry. God healed me of heart disease. Spam, February 08 2023 goddess of luck. How this happened or what his sickness was (Acts 20:9-10) In fact, on one occasion, Paul had healed all of the sick people, even those with diseases, on Malta, an island in the Mediterranean. And in the Acts Epistles we read of the gifts operating in the churches that Paul founded. the important thing to remember is these gifts occur when the the Holy Spirit is working in us and we are fully submitted to his will. In Gaiuss home, in Corinth, Paul wrote the letter to the Romans (see Rom. Since then till now I have not allowed the healing scriptures to depart from me. Spam, January 22 2014 What Do the New Testament Letters Have to Say about Divine Healing? This is We are He was highly regarded by the church there. In If the gift of healing was still in operation, it's unlikely that Paul would have said to use something to merely "help" with your "infirmities." means: "to throw down a stake, to roll the dice." This word is also used in: This "business" is chreia, it refers to taking care of their physical needs. Paul might have no longer had the use of it, but even if he did, it was not intended for believers. Why did Paul not heal Trophimus? The principle here is that "God exalts the humble." ministry. Epaphroditus was a plugger and they all would have missed him and it was no accident that he had left his congregation to take thousands of dollars to the apostle Paul. Paul would Vote Up Most likely it was not the apostle Paul who led him to faith in the Lord Jesus as his Savior because he would have called Epaphroditus "his son in the faith" as he did Timothy (I Tim. Negative thoughts that flood our minds are the actual contributors to our self-defeating emotions. The word believe means to accept, to receive, to take and also to agree. In the first six letters, all written during the period covered by the Book of Acts, we find that the sign gifts were operating in all these churches. Epaphroditus is The Healing Power: of Jesus and the Apostles ~ by Angus MacKillop >From this verb we get the These men and women of God where normal people of God, who made mistakes just like us and didnt do everything perfect. He was an apostolic delegate. 1:11,12) that a time was coming when these sign gifts were going to cease to operate. The gifts of tongues, prophecy, etc. The close of the Book of Acts was also the close of Gods dealings with the nation of Israel for now nearly 2000 years. becoming involved in the same charge. statements that address the actual question with Biblical text to analyze) Thanks. Love never fails. If we are going to were no longer in operation by the time Paul wrote the pastoral epistles. Paul was quick to send Our thoughts based on a good mood will be entirely different from those based on our being upset. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me (Phil. Epaphroditus was ministering to Paul physically; he brought him a financial gift, and was there to minister to Paul in any way that he could; do his laundry, carry messages, or do what ever Paul needed. James (Gal. Too often our attitude is, "I can't help, I could catch it and himself and God exalted him. So Paul with rare abnegation sent him away at once, though Timothy was to follow shortly, and accompanied him with this outpouring of love and praise in his long homeward journey. All we can do is guess. No one was more charismatic than the Apostle Paul. The first one suggested is the very familiar one of the great uniting principle which a common faith in Christ brought into action. That makes Galatians the earliest of Pauls letters. View our current career opportunities. For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge (epignosisfull knowledge) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (Col. 1:9-12). "valued or honored, to hold one dear or in honor, to prize, to deem precious." But with the close of Acts, God sets aside Israel for a time, and when God gave up on the sign people for a time, the sign gifts passed out of His program. And Paul who had miraculously healed so many left Trophimus at Miletus sick (II Timothy 4:20). here with us can get a tape and those who were here but slept can go home and listen to the The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? All the loving thoughts, and all the material expressions of them which Epaphroditus brought to Paul were fragrant with the perfume of the Philippians' love, 'an odour of a sweet smell, acceptable' to Paul as to Paul's Lord. The summary of the whole thing I have written here is that if you believe in the word of God all things are possible. empty ourselves to make ourselves of no reputation. In Galatians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 12,13,14, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 12:6in all these letters we read about the gifts in operation right through to the end of the Book of Acts. Epaphroditus had made a 600-mile journey from Philippi to Rome, an 80-day journey on foot round trip, which was fatiguing, to visit the apostle Paul. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. He was not just to distressed because you had heard that he was sick." And Paul was rejoicing to Shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while he was still a prisoner, now in Rome, Paul wrote four lettersthe prison epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. 2:25-30). Hebrews 11:6 we are taught: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. the most complete healing is when we are taken home. If you haven't already, please make sure to take our tour, to get yourself familiar with the site and to see how we're a little different than other sites. Pauls gift of healing (Acts 28:9) was no longer operating in Philippians 2:27, 1 Timothy 5:23 and 2 Timothy 4:20. So the writing of 1 and 2 Thessalonians can be placed into Acts 18 during Pauls ministry in Corinth, and that makes them the second and third letters that Paul wrote. the heathen threw out the bodies of their dead and fled in terror. The facts are simple; if we look at the context and the account, there was actually nothing for Paul to heal. What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? The reason that I'm stressing this is because I want PDF Do the Gifts of Healing, Prophecy and Tongues Still Exist - Wenstrom And he wrote to the Corinthians about the gift of healing that was operating in their church during the Acts period (1 Cor. This is not a rebuke, it literally means: "to complete your service to me." As we have seen, Paul was able to heal many sick people all through the Book of Acts. Epaphroditus had nearly died in bringing the Philippians' gift to Paul in Rome, but God spared the apostle from great sorrow by healing him. To the Philippian church, Epaphroditus was: "Your messenger" -- This is the Greek word apostolos. Epaphroditus' service to Paul was a spiritual priestly function. Let us hope he got safe back to his friends, and as Paul bade them, they received him in the Lord with all joy, the echoes of which we almost hear as he passes out of our knowledge. The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preachI'm sorry, but there is no "Word of Faith Movement." First-century life, however, was far different. Therefore, this thinking is the key to our relief. to, so much that he almost lost his life pouring it out in sacrificial service to meet Paul's physical It is also hard to identify with Timothy who was a duplicate of Paul, he's no easy examples yet they all experienced sickness. It is all the words that we say to ourselves all the time. Paul was saved in Acts 9 when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. It's hard to identify with him and his His name appears twice in the Bible (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). He as a spiritually mature man. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. co-laborer with Paul, but with God. 14:30-33). He wasn't distressed because he was sick but because the If I walk down the street and I get a word of knowledge for someone, it is 1. He tells us in verses 26-28. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. that Paul didn't heal. What he had not yet received in 1 Corinthians 13, he now has. He did not act on his own. When it came, then the gifts which were only in part would cease. It is here in Ephesus during Acts 19 that Paul wrote 1 Corinthianssee I Corinthians 16:19. "Who ministered to my need" -- The word "need" is from chreia it means: "a need or Why did Paul leave Trophimus, a 7-year companion, sick and not heal him? Welcome to BHSE! We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. The word "longing" is epipotheo, it in Corinth again, and spent three months there enjoying the hospitality of a believer named Gaius (mentioned in 1 Cor. But then, when he wrote but then I shall know he changes the word from gnosis to epignosis, to fully know., We could paraphrase Pauls statement: Now, as Im writing 1 Corinthians in Acts 19, I have gnosisI know, in part, what Gods message is for us today in the dispensation of grace, but thenwhen that which is perfect has comeI shall have epignosisthe full knowledge of Gods message of grace for us today.. sacrificial. Bible scholar J. But here is a better question, why did Paul ignore the Holy Spirit three times when he was told not to go to Jerusalem? Many say that Epaphroditus was homesick. By that I Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. I also believe the Word tells us in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Epaphroditus was not distressed, i.e., depressed because he got sick, [8] because he let down his brothers and sisters in the Philippian congregation, or because he felt as though he had failed Paul. with his life to serve Christ and man. It was used as a sign gift to unbelievers at those times when it was necessary to make Many were saved, but Paul was driven out of town. God owes us nothing! God's sparing of Epaphroditus' life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. Paul says, No. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. All references have been taken from the New King James Version. What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick? I have hid them in my heart. Epaphroditus means "belonging to Aphrodite" [1] which was an idiom meaning "lovely or handsome". Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. 2. Philippians 1:25, and note), was not, it seems, continuous; both were exercised only in accordance with the revealed will of God and on occasions of especial moment. June 11th 2000, I came to the Lord, He healed me of lung cancer, irreversible nerve damage caused by my lifestyle and replaced 3 discs in my lower back that were gone: vertebra rubbing vertebra. Spam, April 05 2022 Why are you What we do know for sure is that Epaphroditus illness was so severe that he almost died (v. 27). Paul also had another concern on his heart. Gods sparing of Epaphroditus life was a tangible expression of His abundant grace to Paul. ESV - Paul sent Timothy to the church of Ephesus, which was a words, soon means: "with" and ergos means: "work, toil or labor." However, Paul was often an instrument of healing. 14 On this reconstruction the question why Paul refrained from healing Epaphroditus miraculously does not arise-he did not even know he had been ill until he had recovered and completed his journey. Do you have questions about the Bible? of the church. It is used 35 times in the New Thanks. The sign gifts, tongues, prophecy, the gift of healing, etc. The pattern could not be clearer, and the contrast could not be sharper between the earlier letters and the later letters, between the time when all the sign gifts were operating, and the time when all the sign gifts had ceased. And in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his teaching, as if it had not been very long since he had been with them. And he urged those married couples to have relations often, rather than living together celibately. primary reason for Epaphroditus being there was to minister to Paul's physical needs. means: "to intensely crave, desire greatly." The words "more eagerly" have the idea of: "with haste or diligence." In that case, it can lead to destructive depression, mood slumps, our self-worth plummeting, our body feeling sluggish, our will to accomplish even the tiniest of things is not to be realized, and our actions defeat us. sick. parabolani, the gamblers. sometimes that may be a spiritual healing , but they will be healed. The word "stand fast" is the Greek word steko which means: "stand your ground in the midst of I do not see Jesus telling His disciples that this is referring to the "Gifts of the Spirit" or this will not be pertinent after you guys die or the early church is established. Have you taken the tour of our site yet? Paul could not heal Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27) "Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and he who ministered to my wants. Let me ask a question: Acts 2:21 Peter is preaching after receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit: 21 and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Epaphroditus lived out Philippians 2:1-16, he is the "Loving Gambler.". Epaphroditus was serving as a representative of the Philippian congregation and the apostle Paul. In fact, in 1 Timothy 5:23, look what Paul recommended: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake The sign gifts were no longer operating at the time that Paul wrote the Prison Epistles. Now we turn to the prison epistles, the four letters written shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while Paul was a prisoner in RomeEphesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippiansand we find that there is not one word about tongues, or the gift of healing. It was still only in part during the Acts period, but with the close of the Book of Acts, the Lord completed the revelation of the Mystery (see Eph. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH ABOUT ________? A trustworthy member of the congregation at Philippi, Macedonia, who was sent with a gift to Paul, then a prisoner at Rome (c. 60-61 C.E.). He says nothing of his own loss or of how much more lonely he would be when the brother whom he had praised so warmly had left him alone. The answer is: He wouldn't have! The fact that Paul performed many miracles means that he exercised divine power at the behest of the divine will. risks. The word "send" is pempo. Likewise in 2 Timothy 4:20, Paul has to leave behind his co-worker Trophimus who had fallen sick on the last journey. This . 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. (See below left). 8 Responses The text does say, God had mercy on him [that is, Ephaphroditus], so, in all likelihood, he would have died from whatever ailed him if God had not prevented him from going over the edge into death. Spam, November 06 2014 2:13) and that is where he wrote the second letter to the Corinthians. Many in this movement even say shocking claims such as the erroneous idea that being poor is a sin, and that if you are sick, "it's your fault that you're sick." I was having shortness of breath and others things like palpitations, light headedness,insomnia and all that. Paul uses this word again in: This is also primarily speaking of physical needs. Epaphroditus was evidently healed through the Lords direct, miraculous intervention, perhaps via the gifts of healing that some believers possessed during the Apostolic era (1 Cor. If you check take that Tour, and read other Q's, A's, and comments, you'll notice we're a group of people from numerous religions and beliefs, not needing anyone telling us who's right and who's wrongjust discussing what we see in Scripture. Does ZnSO4 + H2 at high pressure reverses to Zn + H2SO4? The gifts were all in operation all through the Book of Acts period and are mentioned in the letters written during that time, but the Lord had revealed that the sign gifts were going to cease at some time in the future. We selfishly clutch life and guard our own interests when the mind of Christ is to be selfless and they also may know the joy of loving the Lord Jesus Christ." To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. It wasn't Paul's lack of compassion for his friend. My question: If a man believes in his heart and confesses with his mouth Jesus Christ and Him risen, he is Born Again, saved. Keyword: "IF". It messages, or do what ever Paul needed. Yes: Paul clearly had the gift of healing yet his friend almost died and he didn't heal him. I weighed the facts and found it a necessity to send So Epaphroditus was sent to take care of Paul because Paul was imprisoned under house arrest, and in the end Epaphroditus became a burden to Paul because he almost died and Paul had to. When I was in the military I met brothers and Together these five titles are an important summary of what the Christian life should be. The Lord does not deny that they had done these things. Epaphroditus was a Christian who lived in Philippi. All through the Book of Acts Paul had only gnosis, partial knowledge of the message of grace, but when we turn to the Prison Letters we suddenly find Paul using that word epignosishe had now received that full knowledge which he didnt have when he wrote to the Corinthians: For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge (epignosisfull knowledge) of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ (Col. 2:1-2). and suffering, and given a choice, Paul preferred death: But if Epaphroditus would have died, Paul would have lost a good friend and this would have sisters in Christ in other countries. It is clear that the gift of healing has ceased because, as in Philippians, Paul was no longer able to heal, even his co-workers. Testament, 20 of them refer to physical sickness. Proverbs 4:20-23. When he recovers, Paul sends him back to Philippi 2:4) had passed away by this time.