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Philippians: Epaphroditus
1. Philippians: Epaphroditus
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι οσα εστιν αληθη οσα σεμνα οσα δικαια οσα αγνα οσα προσφιλη οσα ευφημα ει τις αρετη και ει τις επαινος ταυτα λογιζεσθε [gnt]
It appears that Epaphroditus helped Paul with some of the writing of Philippians. This is, in part, based on the "
codes" that appear to be embedded in Philippians 4:8.
2. List of words
| Special words |
| 1=ε‑στιν |
is |
(1 lambda) |
| 2=α‑λη‑θη |
true |
εληνα= |
| 3=σεμ‑να |
important |
=Greek |
| 4=δι‑και‑α |
righteous |
καινα= |
| 5=αγ‑να |
pure |
=new |
| 6= προ ‑σφι‑λη |
lovely |
|
| 7=ευ‑ φη ‑μα |
good report |
προφητη = |
| 8=α‑ρε‑ τη |
virtue |
= prophet |
| 9=ε‑παι‑νος |
praise |
παιζε= |
| 10=λο‑γι‑ζε‑σθε |
reasoned |
=plays |
|
Pastors may try to fit the words into a Christian lifestyle.
We are asked to "logically" "calculate" or "reason" about the words, not "think".
Start by dividing the Greek words into syllables. There may be other ways.
|
Note: The "
Greek" may be a female name and relate to the use of female names as codes in the previous verses. Another connection might be a feminine form of the ancient Greek word
"Λῆμνος" ≈ "Lumnos" as an island and coming from a Semitic word for "
white".
3. Letter as a message
Epaphroditus is writing down what Paul says, probably helping him write parts of it (puns, play on words, etc.), delivered the message (he know what it was to say) and probably read it (not many people read in those days).
As with any good play on words, Epaphroditus could slide the pronunciation as needed, mis-speak and then correct himself - after putting the idea in the heads of those listening, etc.
4. Good soldier
Paul would not have called himself a "fellow soldier" with Epaphroditus if Epaphroditus was not a soldier. There were many (retired) soldiers in Philippi who would not have liked that.
As a good soldier, Epaphroditus could play dumb when needed, are just give a hint of a smile or twinkle in his eye when someone would ask, "Does it really say such and such?".
And Paul would not have been so bold as to embed word play on the name of Epaphroditus in chapter 2. It may have been Epaphroditus who suggested the idea. This leads to what appears as a break in continuity in the letter. It sets up the multiple play on words.
... more to be added ...
5. Co-authorship
Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. [kjv]
ασπαζονται υμας παντες οι αγιοι μαλιστα δε οι εκ της καισαρος οικιας [gnt]
If Epaphroditus worked with Paul on the letter, they might have had a unique "
synergy" of two individuals who liked to create puns, play on words, etc. This can be annoying to those who do not like it. It appears that Paul was under house arrest at this time since the household of Caesar was mentioned. I have heard pastors say that Paul was in a Roman prison at this time.
If you had been listening to Paul and Epaphroditus crafting such puns, etc., you might be glad to have that synergy gone. You would "
greet" those (with pity) to whom this special letter is being sent.
6. Philippians 4:22
KJV: All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
Greek: ασπαζονται υμας παντες οι αγιοι μαλιστα δε οι εκ της καισαρος οικιας
7. Near death
Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [kjv]
και γαρ ησθενησεν παραπλησιον θανατου αλλα ο θεος ηλεησεν αυτον ουκ αυτον δε μονον αλλα και εμε ινα μη λυπην επι σχω [gnt]
2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. [kjv]
οτι δια το εργον κυριου μεχρι θανατου ηγγισεν τη ψυχη ινα αναπληρωση το υμων υστερημα της προς με λειτουργιας [gnt]
Why was Epaphroditus twice near death? Why was it mentioned twice? The Greek for "
sorrow" is that of being "
annoyed".
8. Work of Christ
Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. [kjv]
οτι δια το εργον κυριου μεχρι θανατου ηγγισεν τη ψυχη ινα αναπληρωση το υμων υστερημα της προς με λειτουργιας [gnt]
Here is a possible exchange.
Paul: Epaphroditus. Are you all right? Are you near death again?
Epaphroditus: This is not funny, but it is so funny, I am dying laughing. Yes, I am near death again for the work of Christ.
Paul: Write it down.
9. Philippians 2:27
KJV: For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Greek: και γαρ ησθενησεν παραπλησιον θανατω αλλ θανατου αλλα ο θεος αυτον ηλεησεν αυτον ουκ αυτον δε μονον αλλα και εμε ινα μη λυπην επι λυπη λυπην σχω
10. Philippians 2:30
KJV: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Greek: οτι δια το εργον του χριστου κυριου μεχρι θανατου ηγγισεν παραβουλευσαμενος παραβολευσαμενος τη ψυχη ινα αναπληρωση το υμων υστερημα της προς με λειτουργιας
11. Weeping with tears
Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστου [gnt]
In Philippians 3:18 Paul is "
weeping" having written about the "
enemies" of Christ - which appear to be some of the church at Philippi - via puns, play on words, double meanings, etc. Here is a possible exchange.
Epaphroditus: Paul, you are laughing so hard you are weeping.
Paul: It's not funny, but yes, I am laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes. I am weeping.
Epaphroditus: Let's write it down.
12. Philippians 3:18
KJV: For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Greek: πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστου
13. Laughing to tears
14. Xenophon
Here is a line from Xenophon, Hell. 7.2,9, which has an allusion to the Iliad (vi., 484). The time period is 369 B.C.
English:
Then one might have beheld the men congratulating one another with handclasps on their preservation, and the women bringing them drink and at the same time crying for joy. Indeed, “laughter mingled with tears” did on that occasion really possess all who were present.
Greek:
ἔνθα δὴ θεάσασθαι παρῆν ἐπὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τοὺς μὲν ἄνδρας δεξιουμένους ἀλλήλους, τὰς δὲ γυναῖκας πιεῖν τε φερούσας καὶ ἅμα χαρᾷ δακρυούσας· πάντας δὲ τοὺς παρόντας τότε γε τῷ ὄντι κλαυσίγελως εἶχεν.
https://anastrophe.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/perseus/citequery3.pl?dbname=GreekNov21&query=Xen.%20Hell.%207.2.9 (as of 2023-02-21)
15. Ravages of time
The works of
Shakespeare (1564-1616) are full of funny allusions and puns and play on words and meanings. However, these do not come through in modern English. Those subtle remarks and allusions, etc., have to most people been lost to the ravages of time.
| Some works of Shakespeare |
| Comedy of Errors |
Romeo and Juliet |
Merry Wives of Windsor |
| Julius Caesar |
Phoenix and Turtle |
Much Ado About Nothing |
| Macbeth |
Merchant of Venice |
Midsummer Night's Dream |
16. Idioms lost to time
Many idioms or sayings become popular out of nowhere and then disappear into the ravages of time. Hieroglyphics were known at one time, but once forgotten, it took a while to recover their meaning.
A local idiom at a Dallas high school in the 1920's would have been lost to history except for a chance of fate.
That idiom was "
What's up doc?". One of those high school students got a job at Disney studios in California, kept calling everyone "
doc", etc., and those sayings were adopted as part of the character of Bugs Bunny.
17. Summary and disclaimer
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. [kjv]
εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν εξομολογουμαι σοι πατερ κυριε του ουρανου και της γης οτι εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις [gnt]
In addition to puns, play on words, double-meanings, etc., in Philippians, It appears there may be a coded message indicating the role Epaphroditus played in the letter. The important content is not in hidden text.
There are other such messages in the
GNT by Jesus and others. Those messages appear to carry no important meanings other than
authentication (the Bible message is true) and, as a side-effect, warnings about
false teachings - which are already present in clear text.
18. Matthew 11:25
KJV: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Greek: εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν εξομολογουμαι σοι πατερ κυριε του ουρανου και της γης οτι απεκρυψας εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις
19. End of page
