Epaphras was a devoted early Christian minister and fellow servant of the Apostle Paul, known for his deep commitment to prayer and spiritual care for the church in Colossae.

Today we learn about praying for others as he did, and be encouraged to do likewise.

He is mentioned only three times in the New Testament — twice in Colossians and once in Philemon — and is described by Paul as a “faithful minister,” “servant of Christ Jesus,” and “fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus”

Epaphras likely founded the church in Colossae after being converted, possibly during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and later traveled to Rome to update Paul on the Colossians’ spiritual condition. This included good news of the progress of the gospel, of their "faith in Christ Jesus" and of their love toward all the saints.

He is especially noted for “always wrestling in prayer” for the Colossian believers, desiring their spiritual maturity and steadfastness in faith. In other versions, he is said to be always laboring, or —struggling, wrestling, striving in other translations.

The original word used is agōnizomai, which means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary).

And it was always, or at all times, without ceasing, continuously he was praying like this. To always make such effort is commitment! This is dedication!

O, that each congregation would have such a one as this!

Perhaps that’s you? Or is it someone you know? If you would do me a favor and share this with them, it might be the encouragement they need also.

You’d be helping them, and this newsletter, grow. So bless you!

This is how he served them: Epaphras was praying for them, selflessly focused on others in his fellowship. His concern was for others. We are told he was “our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ” and he was acting “on your behalf.” (1:7). Paul also commended Epaphras for his hard work for the assembly in Colossae, but also the nearby churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Epaphras must have known that in order for these believers to live out their faith and spread the good news of Jesus, they needed God to help them grow in Christ and be fully convinced of His words.

His deep concern, his strong desire, was for the brothers and sisters in Christ to live according to this faith, and so he wrestled against those things that would hinder that, and for spiritual growth and protection.

Epaphras prayed from his deep desire for the spiritual maturity of the Colossian believers. His intercession was for two things: that they may stand perfect (1) and be fully assured in the full will of God (2).

Perfect, or mature (teleios) means completeness and perfection in faith. His goal was for the Colossians to grow in maturity so they are able to finish their race, and completely and confidently stand as having lived faithfully in the will of God.

Writes Matthew Henry: We must stand complete in all the will of God; in the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end.

Being fully assured means having a deep confidence and unspeakable conviction in understanding God's will for us. Epaphras had to have been totally convinced the will of God was most needed and the best course for the church. Assurance comes from knowing His revealed Word, trusting it and living according to it.

Though briefly mentioned in Scripture, Epaphras left a lasting legacy as a model of faithful intercession and selfless service, reminding believers of the power of being zealous, persistently praying and having a spiritual investment in others. This is why he is the namesake of this ministry. His humble, selfless service, focused on others reminds us that prayer is vital, it is work, and our consistency matters.

Take this example today as encouragement, even inspiration, to pray for others—for spiritual growth, and to live fully, completely in the will of our great God.

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