Epaphras Ἐπαφρᾶς
A faithful minister and fellow servant of Paul.
Who is Epaphras in the Bible?
Epaphras was a faithful minister and missionary in the early church who played a crucial role in establishing the Christian faith at Colossae and surrounding cities in the Lycus Valley. Paul describes him as a beloved fellow servant and credits him with first sharing the gospel with the Colossians (Colossians 1:7). Known for his fervent spiritual dedication, Epaphras is remembered for laboring earnestly in prayer on behalf of the Colossian believers, desiring that they would mature and stand fully assured in God's will (Colossians 4:12). He was apparently imprisoned alongside Paul at some point, as Paul mentions him among those sending greetings in his letter to Philemon (Philemon 1:23). Epaphras exemplifies the devoted missionary and intercessor in the New Testament church, demonstrating deep commitment to the spiritual growth of fellow believers.
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
"You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,"
Study Colossians → - Colossians 4:12
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God."
Study Colossians →
Philemon 1 verse
- Philemon 1:23
"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἐπαφρᾶς | Epaphrâs | Epaphras, a Christian |
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)