Epaparas Series

Epaphras

(a fellow prisoner of Paul, fellow worker)

Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament, twice in Colossians and once in Philemon. He was a believer in Christ who served with the apostle Paul, who referred to him as a "fellow servant," "faithful minister," and "servant of Christ Jesus" (Colossians 1:7; 4:12).

His name and Paul's comment in Colossians 4:11 indicate that Epaphras was a Gentile. We also surmise that he was from Colossae in Asia Minor, since his name appears in the letter to the church there and Paul says that he "is one of you" (Colossians 4:12). According to Paul, writing during his first Roman imprisonment, Epaphras was the one who shared the Gospel with the Colossians and possibly started the church there: Paul speaks of "the day you heard [the gospel]" and reminds them that "you learned it from Epaphras" (Colossians 1:6–7). Epaphras traveled to Rome to visit Paul, informing Paul about the Colossians' "love in the Spirit" (Colossians 1:8).

In his letter, Paul told the Colossians about how Epaphras cared deeply for their spiritual growth and maturity. Epaphras had committed to praying for the Colossians, "always wrestling in prayer for [them]" (Colossians 4:12). Epaphras desired the Colossian Christians to stand firm in their faith and become mature. Paul gave testimony that Epaphras worked hard for the church in Colossae, just as he was for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13).

Aside from the letter to the Colossians, Epaphras's name shows up in Paul's personal letter to Philemon. Like Colossians, Paul wrote Philemon during his first imprisonment in Rome. Epaphras had been imprisoned in Rome when visiting Paul: "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings" (Philemon 1:23). Tradition teaches that Epaphras eventually returned to Colossae, remained a faithful servant of Christ, and was later martyred. However, those details are not found in the Bible.

The descriptions of Epaphras are significant: "our dear fellow servant," "a faithful minister of Christ," "a servant of Christ Jesus," "always wrestling in prayer," and "working hard." The brief sketch Paul provides shows that the apostle thought highly of this follower of Christ and fellow laborer. Epaphras demonstrated a strong faith, a rich prayer life, boldness in sharing the Gospel even at the risk of suffering, and deep care for those in whom he had invested spiritually. Epaphras is probably not the first name that comes to mind when we think of Bible characters, but he faithfully served Jesus, and his reward is sure (see Hebrews 6:10).

THE MAN WHO WAS A GIANT IN PRAYER

This Colossian is described in many ways. He was Paul's "fellow-servant" and "servant," his "fellow-prisoner," and a "faithful minister." He was also Paul's representative at Colossae, where he had founded the church (Col. 1:7) and sought to combat prevalent heresies there under Paul's advice. The apostle had affection for Epaphras, who ministered unto his need and the need of others.

It is in his prayer ministry, however, that Epaphras is conspicuous. This giant in prayer knew how to lay all before the Lord, and laboring in secret, made the saints perfect and complete in their standing through his kneeling. He "strove earnestly in his prayers" for the Colossians. He wrestled in prayer that they might be perfect in the perfection of Christ and "fully assured in all the will of God." Paul also testified to the perseverance as well as the prayers of Epaphras. He knew how to toil on behalf of the saints of God. He was practical as well as prayerful.

His prayers for the stability and maturity of others were numerous, continuous, and strenuous. Epaphras brought to Paul at Rome a report of the Colossian Church where he had ministered in Paul's stead, an account that cheered his heart and resulted in the Colossian Epistle's writing Epaphras took back with him to his flock. Can we say that we are true successors of the devoted servant of God? Like him, do we know how to wrestle in prayer with the agony of prayer? (Rom. 15:30). Epaphras also manifested great zeal or properly "great labor of anxiety" for those under his care. Too few of us are concerned about the spiritual welfare of others.

1. EPAPHRAS WAS A BELOVED FELLOW-WORKER

In Colossians 1:7, the apostle describes Epaphras as his "dear fellow-servant." There was a particular reason for referring to him in this way. At the time this Epistle was written, Epaphras was with Paul in prison, and he had visited Paul to seek his advice and counsel concerning errors that were creeping into the church at Colosse. What a great privilege it was for Epaphras to minister to God's honored, suffering apostle, and how natural that Paul should feel a deep affection for Epaphras! Nevertheless, he did not only seek help, for, without doubt, he also gave much help to Paul, comforting him and ministering to him in several different ways.