one of these. Thus he put him on a par with himself in associated and loyal service to their common Lord.

Just two men only among his many friends did Paul refer to as "bond servants of Jesus Christ," and Epaphras was one of these. Just two men only did Paul refer to as being his "fellow prisoners" in Rome, and one of these was Epaphras.

"Fellow servant" and "fellow prisoner" with Paul, "bond servant of Jesus Christ," what a triple crown of glory for the brow of Epaphras, faithful minister of Christ and of the church at Colossae.

IV

The Mutual Love of Paul and Epaphras

Perhaps this has already been sufficiently brought out in what has preceded. Only a few words more shall be added. Paul speaks of Epaphras as "dear,' or beloved, to himself. Of Epaphras's love for Paul no farther evidence need be sought than the fact that in the latter's letter to Philemon, an inhabitant of Colossae, he speaks of Epaphras as being at the time his "fellow prisoner." As in the case of Aristarchus this can mean but one of two things; either that he became so conspicuous while at Rome in his love and zeal for Paul that he was imprisoned by the authorities along with Paul, or that he voluntarily shared that imprisonment to comfort Paul's heart by his presence and love.

I am persuaded that he was actually imprisoned by the Roman authorities, and I base my conclusions on the following grounds: The doctrinal crisis at Colossae was such as to demand not only the immediate dispatching of a letter from Paul, but also the sending of a messenger who should supplement the letter with oral counsel and advice. The man it would have been most natural to send would certainly have been Epaphras himself, who had just come to Rome for the special purpose of counseling with Paul. Assuredly no one knew the whole situation as well as he, and from all the testimony Paul bears as to his character and ability, no man was better fitted to return to Colossae with Paul's letter and oral instructions. Why, then, did he send Tychicus on this mission instead of Epaphras, the pastor of the church? I can find but one adequate answer to this question-Epaphras was at the time suffering the penalty of his devotion to Paul, the Roman authorities had honored him by making him Paul's "fellow prisoner" in fact as well as in name.

But in any case, Epaphras partakes with Aristarchus in the immortality of having shared the dungeon of the world's most illustrious prisoner.

O Paul, how surpassing marvelous the riches of thy friendships. In the chains of affection which bound men's hearts to thine own, they forgot the chains that bound their limbs in thy felon's cell. Roman generals who returned in triumph with victorious legions to be greeted by the thundering acclamations of the Imperial City's proud populace,

knew a lesser glory and joy than they who walked with thee the Via Dolorosa. Bear witness Aristarchus, "Paul's friend who was but his friend;" bear witness Epaphras, "Paul's fellow servant and fellow prisoner.”

CHAPTER XII

Epaphroditus-Paul's Friend Who Counted Not His Own Life Dear Unto Himself

Our knowledge of the career of Epaphroditus is confined to the following passages:-Phil. 2:25-30, and 4:18.

A

LL our information concerning Epaphroditus is derived from Paul's single letter to the Philippians, but that is sufficient to inscribe his name in the circle of the Apostle's closest companions and among the immortals of the early church. Apparently Epaphroditus was a native of Philippi, and presumably converted during Paul's visit to that city on his arrival in Macedonia.

I

Epaphroditus as Messenger of the Philippian Church

The first Christian service performed by Epaphroditus of which we have any record, was as the messenger of his home church to St. Paul; but the whole account of the man and his activity which we do have, implies that he had long been eminent, at least locally, in every good work. At the time he was chosen messenger of the Philippian church the

situation was this: Paul was in Rome a prisoner and in dire "affliction." Evidently that affliction was not merely a matter of prison hardship, but also one of sore distress for physical support and comforts. In some way his beloved friends in Philippi heard of his need and at once raised a fund for his relief.

Epaphroditus was the man chosen to bear their offerings to Paul, and he gladly accepted the commission. No better tribute could be paid to him than this proof of confidence in his integrity on the part of those who knew him best, and his willingness to undertake a long and perilous journey to seek out a man in a Roman prison. It may also be assumed that the church believed no other man would be more comforting or helpful to St. Paul.

That Epaphroditus faithfully performed the task entrusted to him we know, for still after nineteen hundred years we have Paul's receipt for the gifts which he brought. "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." But this was not Epaphroditus's last service to St. Paul. Let us pass to the next.

II

Epaphroditus-The First Man Who Ever Had a Personal Representative in the Foreign Field

Today one of the masterly and successful methods of pushing foreign missionary work, is for a church. or a single individual to assume the entire sup