Epaphras
“Lovely, or possibly a contraction of Epaphroditus (devoted to Aphrodite)”
Summary
A faithful minister who founded or led the church at Colossae and was commended by Paul for his fervent prayer and zealous labor for the believers in the Lycus Valley.
☩Identity and Ministry
Epaphras was a native of Colossae who became a leading figure in the early church there. His name is probably a contracted form of Epaphroditus, though he should not be confused with the messenger of the Philippian church who bore that name. Paul designated him 'our beloved fellow-servant' and 'a faithful minister of Christ,' terms indicating the apostle's high regard. The phrase 'a bondservant of Christ Jesus' was one Paul usually reserved for himself, applying it to another besides Epaphras only once. Most scholars believe Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church, possibly commissioned by Paul during his long residence at Ephesus when 'all who dwelt in Asia heard the word.'
☩Labor for the Churches
Epaphras had special relations with the neighboring churches of Laodicea and Hierapolis, likely evangelizing all three cities in the Lycus Valley. Paul testified that he had 'much labor' for believers in all three locations. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, Epaphras had recently arrived in Rome bearing a report about the church—on the whole favorable, noting their faith, hope, and love, but also concerning about a peculiar heresy combining Jewish formalism with Oriental theosophy. Filled with anxiety, Epaphras 'wrestled in prayer' for his converts that they might 'stand fully assured in all the will of God.' This burden likely prompted his journey to Rome to consult with Paul about this new peril threatening his converts.
☩Fellow Prisoner
In the Epistle to Philemon, which was sent at the same time as Colossians, Paul calls Epaphras 'my fellow-prisoner.' This designation may indicate that Epaphras was actually arrested—perhaps his friendship with Paul created suspicion—or it may mean he voluntarily shared the apostle's captivity as a faithful companion. Some regard the term as a tender expression of Epaphras's devoted attention to Paul during his imprisonment. After this period, Epaphras disappears from reliable history, though later traditions represent him as bishop of Colossae and claim he suffered martyrdom there.
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Epaphras," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Epaphras," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Epaphras," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.George Morrish, "Epaphras," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).