STRONGS NT 2137b: εὐπάρεδροςεὐπάρεδρος, εὐπάρεδρον (εὖ, and πάρεδρος (sitting beside)), sitting constantly by; assiduous: πρός τό εὐπάρεδρον τῷ κυρίῳ, that ye may be constantly devoted to the Lord and his cause, 1 Corinthians 7:35, for Rec. εὐπρόσεδρον, which does not differ in sense (A. V. attend upon). (Hesychius εὐπάρεδρον καλῶς παραμενον.)

Strong’s 2137 speaks of prospering, succeeding, or being brought along a way. In Scripture the word always assumes that true success is granted by God, not manufactured by human ingenuity, and it embraces both material and spiritual dimensions.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Romans 1:10 – Paul asks that he “may succeed in coming” to Rome.
• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Believers give “as he may prosper.”
• 3 John 1:2 (twice) – John prays that Gaius may “prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.”

Historical Background and Usage

Greco-Roman culture prized fortune and favorable journeys, often invoking the gods for safe travel or profitable ventures. The New Testament writers adopt the common term yet deliberately locate prosperity in the sovereign will of the one true God. Thus success is not luck but the outworking of divine providence.

Apostolic Prayer and Pastoral Care

Romans 1:10 records an apostle’s travel prayer: “I ask that now, at last by God’s will, I may succeed in coming to you”. Paul’s ministry agenda and timing rest in God’s hands. Similarly, 3 John 1:2 gives a window into pastoral affection: “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers”. Material well-being is welcomed but always in harmony with spiritual vitality.

Prosperity and Stewardship

In 1 Corinthians 16:2 Paul instructs weekly giving “as he may prosper”. Prosperity becomes the yardstick for proportional generosity. Whatever the Lord channels to a believer, a corresponding measure is to be set aside for gospel purposes. The word therefore grounds biblical stewardship, countering both stinginess (forgetting God’s provision) and presumption (spending as though resources were self-generated).

Physical Health and Spiritual Well-Being

The dual use in 3 John 1:2 places bodily health alongside a prospering soul. Scripture refuses to dichotomize the believer; whole-person flourishing is desirable. Yet the order is significant: the soul’s prosperity is assumed; bodily and circumstantial prosperity are requested. The verse therefore guards against a materialistic “prosperity gospel” that would prize wealth above holiness.

Missionary Journey and Gospel Advancement

Romans 1 and Acts together reveal that Paul eventually reached Rome, though as a prisoner. God granted the prosperous journey—but by unexpected means. The term thus invites trust in divine sovereignty: the Lord may redefine the route while still fulfilling the prayer.

Old Testament Antecedents

The Septuagint frequently employs the same verb for God-given success:
• Genesis 24:40 – Abraham assures that the Lord “will prosper your way.”
• Genesis 39:3, 23 – The Lord makes Joseph’s work “prosper.”
• Joshua 1:8 – Meditation on the Law leads to being “prosperous and successful.”

The New Testament, echoing these passages, teaches continuity: obedience and faith anchor true prosperity.

Theological Reflections

1. God-centered prosperity: Success originates in God’s will (Romans 1:10).
2. Holistic prosperity: Spiritual health is fundamental (3 John 1:2).
3. Purposeful prosperity: Increase is entrusted for ministry (1 Corinthians 16:2).
4. Eschatological perspective: Ultimate prosperity is realized in the new creation, where every journey reaches its goal and every steward receives commendation.

Application for Contemporary Ministry

• Prayer: Intercede for missionaries and congregants alike, asking God to prosper their travel, work, and health without neglecting their souls.
• Giving: Teach proportional and planned generosity that mirrors God’s provision.
• Discipleship: Cultivate a theology of success that honors divine sovereignty, rejects covetousness, and anticipates eternal reward.