Epaphras
Epaphras was a dedicated Christian minister from Colossae who played a pivotal role in establishing the church there during the spread of the gospel in Asia Minor. While the apostle Paul was imprisoned, Epaphras visited him to report on the spiritual condition of the Colossian believers, prompting Paul to write his epistle to address emerging heresies and encourage the church. Paul highly commended Epaphras in his letter as a faithful servant of Christ who agonized in prayer for the maturity and steadfastness of the Colossians, highlighting his deep commitment and intercession. This account underscores the importance of faithful local leadership and fervent prayer in the early church's growth and doctrinal purity.
Biography
- Occupation
- Minister, Church Planter
- Era
- New Testament (c. AD 60-62)
- Nationality
- Greek (Phrygian)
- Also Known As
- Epaphroditus (possibly different person)
Did You Know?
Epaphras, a native Colossian, likely planted the church there without any visit from Paul, who explicitly notes in Colossians 2:1 that the believers in the city had never met him in person.
While Paul was under house arrest in Rome circa AD 60-62, Epaphras traveled hundreds of miles to report on the Colossian church's struggles with local syncretistic teachings, directly prompting the composition of Paul's letter.
Paul uses the athletic term agonizomai in Colossians 4:12 to describe Epaphras's prayer life, portraying him as wrestling or competing in intercession not only for Colossae but also the neighboring cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Epaphras is called Paul's "fellow prisoner" in Philemon 23, indicating he may have voluntarily shared the apostle's Roman captivity rather than facing separate charges.
Although mentioned only three times in the New Testament, Paul twice singles Epaphras out as a "faithful minister of Christ" (Colossians 1:7) who accurately transmitted the gospel, an unusually strong endorsement for such a briefly documented figure.
Key Passages
Epaphras Reports to Paul
Colossians 1:7-8
This passage shows how faithful servants like Epaphras quietly spread the gospel and strengthen bonds of love among distant believers.
7s ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Epaphras Labors in Prayer
Colossians 4:12-13
Epaphras models how earnest, ongoing prayer for others' spiritual maturity expresses deep love and partnership in the gospel.
12paphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Fellow Prisoner with Paul
Philemon 1:23
Epaphras's imprisonment with Paul shows how following Jesus often forges deep bonds through shared sacrifice and faithful endurance.
23here salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;