Paul refers to Epaphroditus as a fellow soldier in Philippians 2:25, highlighting those engaged in service who disregard the things of this world. A soldier is one enlisted to serve, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:7 and 2 Timothy 2:4, where one avoids entanglement in civilian affairs to please the one who enlisted him. Believers must endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).
Examples include Epaphroditus, who publicly served Paul at his own risk, supplying what was lacking and nearly dying for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:29-30), and Archippus, who hosted the church (Philemon 2). Such servants are to be held in high esteem.
Serving as a soldier involves holding faith with a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:19-20), unlike those who shipwrecked their faith. Not all saints serve this way lifelong; it is for specific missions. Christian warfare uses spiritual weapons mighty in God for pulling down strongholds of false doctrines (2 Corinthians 10:3-4), not fleshly ones.
“Fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12) refers to agonizing like an athlete in training to lay hold of eternal life already possessed (1 Corinthians 9:25), not constant soldiering. Daily struggles target Satan or the flesh, but heavy armor of God defends against attacks, while light armor of hope and faith sustains everyday living in Christ. Opportunities to serve require setting aside daily concerns to serve well.
