There are several people in the Bible about whom we know next to nothing. Some we only have a name. Some we have them briefly mentioned in a few verses. However, if all scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17), then there must be at least something to be learned from each. That is true with these “not-so-well-known” folks we read of in scripture.
Epaphras is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. All three are within 2 letters which were probably delivered at the same time – one to a congregation and one to an individual in that congregation. Within these three instances, there are a few details given that show us some insight into the caliber of man Epaphras was. They are worthy traits for us to model today.
The church at Colosse was being led astray – they needed “spiritual heroes” to emulate. The church today needs more men and women to step up and be “Epaphras Christians.” Epaphras was a man who, quite possibly, was a convert from the ministry of Paul. He was one that probably learned what it meant to be evangelistic from the apostle. He went back to his hometown of Colosse and was responsible for the evangelization of that city, as well as Laodicea (yes that Laodicea) and Hierapolis – two towns in the same valley. He was a co-worker of Paul’s. He was one who told Paul of what was going on in Colosse, prompting the inspired author to pen the letter of Colossians. He was one who was thought so highly of by Paul, that when he mentioned Epahpras, he used phrases like, “beloved fellow servant,” “faithful minister of Christ,” and a “servant of Christ” to describe him.
He first mentions him in Colossians 1:7-8. “Just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.” In these verses, we find out about Epaphras’s LABOR IN PURPOSE. The purpose of what he did was to win souls. That is why he was the one who brought the saving message he learned of back to those people in the Lyconian Valley. He wanted them to be saved. That is why he served faithfully on behalf of Paul, who was in prison. He understood the work must go on. Why? He knew souls were hanging in the balance. That is why he was building up the church by bragging on their love in the spirit. It was all about souls for Epaphras. That was the purpose of his labor!
He mentions him a second time in Colossians 4:12-13. “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” In these verses, we find out about Epaphras’s LABOR IN PRAYER. Part of his ministry was in praying for others. What a valuable ministry! This man of God approached God’s throne on behalf of others because of his care for them. Imagine, with all he is going through, and he is praying for others. In Philemon, we will see how he is in prison. Just picture him, while in a prison cell himself, kneeling in the dampness, filth, and disease, and praying for others!
The third mention is in the 23rd verse of Philemon. “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you.” In this verse, we find out about Epahpras’s LABOR IN PRICE. Not only was he laboring to serve others, not only was he working in prayer for others, but he was also one who labored at high personal cost! He had given up his freedom to serve the Lord, serve His church, and serve his fellow-workers!
What happened to Epaphras as life went on, we do not know. We do not know when nor how he died. We do not know what else might have been true about his personal life, church work, or any other facts. What we do know is that the Holy Spirit of God inspired Paul to write about this servant of the Lord three times – forever to be remembered as an example of a faithful child of God.
The church needs you to be an Epaphras! The church is built on those who labor like him. They may not get the headlines. They may not have a lot spoken of them. However, they are the ones who are laboring in the trenches to further the cause of Christ! Are you ready to labor like Epaphras?
Corey Sawyers