Epaphras was an important figure in the early Christian church. Though he is mentioned only a few times in the New Testament, the references to him indicate that he played a significant role in the spread of the gospel.
The name Epaphras is a shortened form of Epaphroditus, which means “lovely” or “charming” in Greek. He was a resident of Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and was likely converted to Christianity by Paul during the apostle’s three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).
Paul first mentions Epaphras in his letter to the Colossians, when he refers to him as “our dear fellow servant” and “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1:7). From this reference, we can gather that Epaphras was deeply devoted to serving the Lord.
In the letter to the Colossians, Paul goes on to explain that Epaphras was the one who informed him of the strong faith of the believers in Colossae: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis” (Colossians 4:12-13).
This tells us three key things about Epaphras:
- He prayerfully struggled on behalf of the Colossian believers, demonstrating his pastoral care for them.
- He worked hard to establish and grow the church in Colossae as well as the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- He kept Paul informed of the condition of the churches he established and likely served as a liaison between the apostle and these churches.
In summary, Epaphras appeared to serve as an evangelist, church planter, and pastor to the churches located in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor. He founded the church in Colossae that met in the house of a man named Philemon (Philemon 1:2). He likely also had a hand in founding and leading the neighboring churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Epaphras is described as a “fellow prisoner” of Paul (Philemon 1:23). This indicates that Epaphras visited Paul during one of the apostle’s imprisonments and was arrested alongside him for a period. The stripping away of freedom did not deter either from continuing in ministry.
One of the few other details known about Epaphras comes again from Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In chapter 4 verse 12, Paul requests that the Colossians pray for Epaphras: “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.”
This shows that Epaphras had a deep prayer life and cared deeply for the spiritual maturity and welfare of the church in Colossae. He continued to pray diligently for them even while imprisoned with Paul.
Based on the available biblical evidence, here is what can be summarized about Epaphras:
- He was a convert of Paul’s who likely became a Christian during the apostle’s time in Ephesus.
- He was a resident of Colossae and the likely founder of the church there.
- He helped establish and lead the neighboring churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- He served as a pastor and cared deeply for the welfare of the believers in these churches.
- He informed Paul of the condition of the churches and likely served as an ambassador between Paul and the churches.
- He was a fellow prisoner alongside Paul for a period.
- He had a robust prayer life and continually uplifted the churches in prayer.
In summary, Epaphras played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in the establishment and growth of several key churches in Asia Minor. He served as planter, pastor, and prayer warrior for these fledgling churches and kept the apostle Paul informed of their progress. He was a devoted minister of the gospel and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
Though Epaphras is not mentioned frequently in the New Testament, it is clear he made significant contributions to the early church. The churches he helped build became pillars in that region, needing only maturity and depth as referenced in Paul’s letters. As a convert, evangelist, and church planter, Epaphras provides an excellent example of faithful kingdom work.
The brevity of his mention reminds modern readers that countless names and stories of the faithful have been lost to history. Epaphras’ legacy survived because his work garnered the attention of Paul. But many other men and women surely played quiet but pivotal roles in the spread of Christianity through the Roman world.
While high-profile apostles and church leaders usually get the most attention, the behind-the-scenes work of planting, watering, and praying is just as vital. Epaphras provides an inspirational model of diligent Kingdom service for every generation of believers, whether their story is remembered or forgotten.
In conclusion, though Epaphras was not an apostle or famous church leader, he played a strategic role in establishing several key churches in Asia Minor. His faithfulness in evangelizing, discipling, pastoring, and praying set an excellent example for Christians in any era. The passing references to Epaphras in the New Testament give us a tiny glimpse into the tireless work of an early church unsung hero.
Key Bible verses about Epaphras:
Colossians 1:7-8 – “You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.”
Colossians 4:12-13 – “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.”
Philemon 1:23 – “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you.”
Colossians 4:12 – “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
Lessons Christians can learn from Epaphras:
- Be diligent in evangelism and making disciples.
- Faithfully pastor, teach, and care for those under your spiritual leadership.
- Be devoted to prayer, praying continually for fellow believers.
- Be willing to sacrifice, even freedom, to advance the gospel.
- Work hard to plant, establish, and strengthen local churches.
- Maintain connection and community with other believers.
- Be an ambassador between church leaders and congregations.
- Seek maturity and depth in the faith for yourself and others.
- Be faithful in small things, not seeking recognition or fame.
Though Epaphras was not famous like Paul or Peter, he provides an outstanding model of diligent service and discipleship. His quiet dedication to evangelizing, discipling, pastoring, and praying is a powerful example for Christians in every generation.
Epaphras devoted his life to seeing the gospel take root in Colossae and the surrounding regions. He poured himself into ministry behind the scenes, not seeking credit or acclaim. He was imprisoned alongside Paul but continued fervently praying for the maturity of the churches he helped establish.
Every believer has a part to play in God’s plan, just like Epaphras did. Whether our story ends up recorded in Scripture or not, we are each called to faithfulness. Epaphras inspires us to fulfill our role with the same spirit of service, sacrifice, and diligence for the glory of God.