In Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, we are introduced to a diligent minister by the name of Epaphras. He was one who was with Paul during certain parts of his journeys. We know very little about him. He is referenced twice in Colossians, and once in Paul’s letter to Philemon, a personal letter which Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome. In this letter he mentioned Epaphras, telling Philemon, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you” (Philemon 23). So, he was with the great apostle at least part of the time Paul was under house arrest during his first imprisonment. Perhaps while there he was among the brethren, “having been confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:14).
Let’s examine the two Colossian references, and learn what we can about this good man. The first reference is found in Colossians 1:7-8. Here we see Paul giving credit to the man for directing the Colossians in their knowledge of God’s grace.
“as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.”
This indicates that Epaphras had a big influence upon the congregation in Colosse. In fact, tradition has Epaphras as being the primary missionary that the truth of God to the city. The way Paul refers to him here is also significant. We see the devotion that Paul had for the man, calling him “our dear fellow servant.” Those who worked with Paul were greatly cherished by the apostle. Not all had been faithful to him. There were times he was alone, disappointed, even harmed by fickle and false brethren who added to his chains. However Paul was faithful, and loved greatly those who joined with him in the work of saving souls. As a minister (servant) faithful in his work, he did his part diligently to share in the work of the Lord.
The other passage is Colossians 4:12-13.
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.”
The only two other men Paul referred to as bondservants were himself and Timothy. Epaphras as a slave to Christ indicates his complete submission and work for his Lord. All those in the region of Colosse, including Laodicea and Hierapolis were labored for in prayer by the man, and his zeal for their welfare was evident to Paul, who testified of it to the Colossians. May we have more of his type in the kingdom!
