Lexical Summary Epaphras: Epaphras Original Word: Ἐπαφρᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Epaphras. Contracted from Epaphroditos; Epaphras, a Christian -- Epaphras. see GREEK Epaphroditos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Epaphroditos Definition Epaphras, a Christian NASB Translation Epaphras (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1889: ἘπαφρᾶςἘπαφρᾶς, Ἐπαφρᾶ (Buttmann, 20 (17f)), ὁ, Epaphras, a Christian man mentioned in Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23. The conjecture of some that the name is contracted from Ἐπαφρόδιτος (which see (cf. Winers Grammar, 103 (97))) and hence, that these two names belong to one and the same man, is not probable; (see B. D. American edition under the word Topical Lexicon Name and Background Epaphras was a native of Colossae in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor. Converted under the wider ministry of Paul—very likely during Paul’s lengthy stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:9–10)—he returned home as an evangelist and shepherd. The shortened form of his name distinguishes him from Epaphroditus of Philippi, and all New Testament references link him specifically with Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Role in the Founding of the Colossian Church Paul notes that the Colossians “learned it from Epaphras” (Colossians 1:7), indicating that Epaphras first proclaimed the gospel in Colossae and organized the fledgling congregation. His ministry extended beyond his hometown; Paul testifies that he “has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis” (Colossians 4:13). Thus Epaphras functioned as a regional church planter whose labors helped establish three neighboring assemblies. Commendations in Paul’s Letters • “our beloved fellow servant” (Colossians 1:7) These descriptions highlight his reliability, wholehearted service, and willingness to suffer alongside Paul for the gospel. Prayer Ministry and Spiritual Labor “Epaphras…is always wrestling in his prayers for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God” (Colossians 4:12). The verb “wrestling” (agonizomai) conveys strenuous effort, portraying intercession as spiritual combat. Epaphras embodies the truth that pastoral care continues beyond evangelism; he persistently contended in prayer for believers’ maturity and assurance, not merely for their comfort or safety. His example elevates intercessory prayer to an essential, active component of ministry. Faithfulness Amid Imprisonment By the time Paul wrote Philemon, Epaphras had voluntarily associated himself with the apostle during his Roman imprisonment and had become “my fellow prisoner” (Philemon 1:23). Choosing to identify with a prisoner of the state was perilous, yet Epaphras accepted that risk to serve Christ and to remain in fellowship with Paul. Influence on Pauline Correspondence Epaphras’ report about conditions in Colossae—both the believers’ love and the encroaching doctrinal errors—prompted Paul to address those issues in the Epistle to the Colossians. The letter’s exalted Christology, warnings against syncretism, and pastoral encouragement all spring in part from Epaphras’ faithful communication and concern. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Indigenous leadership is vital; local believers best understand and reach their own communities. Key References Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12–13; Philemon 1:23 Forms and Transliterations Επαφρα Ἐπαφρᾶ Επαφρας Ἐπαφρᾶς ὑμᾶς Epaphra Epaphrâ Epaphras Epaphrâs umasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 1:7 N-GMSGRK: ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ NAS: as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our beloved KJV: learned of Epaphras our dear INT: you learned from Epaphras the beloved Colossians 4:12 N-NMS Philemon 1:23 N-NMS Strong's Greek 1889 |
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