A first-century companion of Saint Paul from Philippi, remembered in Scripture for risking his life in service to the apostle.

Saint Epaphroditus of Philippi was a Christian of Philippi, in Greece, sent by the Philippian church to assist Saint Paul during his imprisonment, whose service brought him to the point of a serious, near-fatal illness. Tradition holds that he later became bishop of Philippi, dying there in the first century.

Quick Facts

• Died: traditionally 1st century, Philippi, Greece
• Venerated as: Bishop of Philippi
• Scriptural record: Philippians 2:25-30, 4:18

Who Was Saint Epaphroditus of Philippi?

Epaphroditus appears in Paul’s letter to the Philippians as the messenger the Philippian church sent to deliver material support to Paul during his imprisonment and to serve him personally on their behalf. Paul writes that Epaphroditus “was sick near to death” because of his labor on Paul’s behalf, and asks the Philippians to receive him back “with all joy” and to “hold such men in esteem, because for the work of Christ he came close to death, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service toward me.”

Historical Setting

The letter to the Philippians, likely written during one of Paul’s imprisonments, gives a rare, direct, and personal window into the working relationship between an apostle and a local church’s chosen representative — Epaphroditus’s mission of physical and material support for Paul reflects how the earliest Christian communities practically supported apostolic ministry even at great distance.

Why the Church Remembers Saint Epaphroditus of Philippi

The Church remembers Saint Epaphroditus as a model of selfless Christian service, praised by Paul himself in the strongest personal terms found anywhere in his letters for a fellow worker — a layman (by the biblical record itself) whose devotion to serving the apostle nearly cost him his life.

Canonization and Feast Day

As a New Testament figure, Epaphroditus has no modern canonization date; his veneration as traditional first bishop of Philippi rests on his place in Scripture and the Church’s ancient liturgical memory.

What Catholics Can Learn Today

Epaphroditus’s willingness to risk his health and his life simply to deliver support and personal service to Paul is a model of the quiet, unglamorous devotion that keeps ministry and mission alive — not every act of service is dramatic, but Scripture itself insists this one deserved the Church’s honor.

A Prayer to Saint Epaphroditus of Philippi

Saint Epaphroditus, faithful servant who risked your life for the sake of the Gospel, teach us to serve others with the same selfless devotion, counting no service too small or too costly when it is offered out of love for Christ. Amen.

Sources

• Philippians 2:25-30, 4:18 (Sacred Scripture)
• New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
• Butler’s Lives of the Saints