Epaphras Ἐπαφρᾶς
A faithful minister and fellow servant of Paul.
Biography
Epaphras was a prominent figure in the early church and a close associate of the apostle Paul. He is described as a faithful minister of Christ and a fellow servant of Paul (Col.1.7). Epaphras was likely a native of Colossae and played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the church there. He is credited with sharing the gospel with the Colossians and nurturing their faith (Col.1.7). Epaphras's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Colossian believers is evident in his fervent prayers on their behalf. Paul mentions that Epaphras was always laboring earnestly for them in his prayers, desiring that they would stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God (Col.4.12). This highlights Epaphras's dedication to the spiritual growth and maturity of the church. In the letter to Philemon, Paul refers to Epaphras as his fellow prisoner (Phm.1.23), indicating that Epaphras had faced imprisonment for his faith, possibly alongside Paul. This shared experience of suffering for the gospel further strengthens the bond between them. Epaphras's ministry extended beyond Colossae, as Paul also mentions his labors in the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col.4.13). Epaphras's life exemplifies the commitment, sacrifice, and pastoral care of early Christian leaders who tirelessly served the church and advanced the gospel message.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentColossians 2 verses
- Colossians 1:7
"even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf,"
Study Colossians → - Colossians 4:12
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
Study Colossians →
Philemon 1 verse
- Philemon 1:23
"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἐπαφρᾶς | G1889 |
Epaphras
g in Paul's greetings to Philemon (Phm 1:23). Epaphras was the missionary by whose instrumentality the Colossians had been converted to Christianity (Col 1:7), and probably the other churches of the Lycus had been founded by him. In sending his salutation to the Colossians Paul testified, "He hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis" (Col 4:13). Epaphras had brought to Paul good news of the progress of the gospel, of their "faith in Christ Jesus" and of their love toward all the saints (Col 1:4). Paul's regard for him is shown by his designating him "our beloved fellow-servant," "a faithful minister of Christ" (Col 1:7), and "a bondservant of Christ Jesus" (Col 4:12 margin) . The last designation Paul uses several times of himself, but only once of another besides Epaphras (Php 1:1).
S. F. Hunter
Mentioned only in Php 2:25; 4:18. The name corresponds to the Latin Venustus (= handsome)