In the entertainments common in apostolic times among the Gentiles were
frequent “revellings,” against which Christians were warned (Romans
13:13; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3). (See BANQUET.)
- EPAENETUS commendable, a Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent his
salutation (Romans 16:5). He is spoken of as “the first fruits of Achaia”
(R.V., “of Asia”, i.e., of proconsular Asia, which is probably the correct
reading). As being the first convert in that region, he was peculiarly dear to
the apostle. He calls him his “well beloved.” - EPAPHRAS lovely, spoken of by Paul (Colossians 1:7; 4:12) as “his dear
fellow-servant,” and “a faithful minister of Christ.” He was thus evidently
with him at Rome when he wrote to the Colossians. He was a
distinguished disciple, and probably the founder of the Colossian church.
He is also mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon (1:23), where he is called
by Paul his “fellow-prisoner.” - EPAPHRODITUS fair, graceful; belonging to Aphrodite or Venus the
messenger who came from Phillipi to the apostle when he was a prisoner
at Rome (Phil. 2:25-30; 4:10-18). Paul mentions him in words of esteem
and affection. On his return to Philippi he was the bearer of Paul’s letter to
the church there. - EPHAH gloom. (1.) One of the five sons of Midian, and grandson of
Abraham (Genesis 25:4). The city of Ephah, to which he gave his name, is
mentioned Isaiah 60:6, 7. This city, with its surrounding territory, formed
part of Midian, on the east shore of the Dead Sea. It abounded in
dromedaries and camels (Judges 6:5).
(2.) 1 Chronicles 2:46, a concubine of Caleb.
(3.) 1 Chronicles 2:47, a descendant of Judah.
Ephah, a word of Egyptian origin, meaning measure; a grain measure
containing “three seahs or ten omers,” and equivalent to the bath for
liquids (Exodus 16:36; 1 Samuel 17:17; Zechariah 5:6). The double ephah
in Proverbs 20:10 (marg., “an ephah and an ephah”), Deuteronomy 25:14,
means two ephahs, the one false and the other just.