Epaphras

Founder of the Colossian Church

Varhainen kirkkoServantLeader1st century AD

Epaphras was a faithful coworker of the apostle Paul and the founder of the church in Colossae. He was known for his intense prayer on behalf of the churches in the Lycus Valley and was highly regarded by Paul for his service and dedication to the gospel.

Avaintapahtumat

Founded the church in Colossae

Epaphras preached the gospel and established the church in Colossae, likely while Paul was in Ephesus. He taught the Colossians about God's grace in truth.

6that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in all the world, so it has been among you from the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
τοῦ παρόντος εἰς ὑμᾶς, καθὼς καὶ ἐν παντὶ τῷ ⸀κόσμῳ ἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον καθὼς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀφʼ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσατε καὶ ἐπέγνωτε τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ·
7You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
⸀καθὼς ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς ὑπὲρ ⸀ἡμῶν διάκονος τοῦ Χριστοῦ,

Brought a report to Paul

Epaphras traveled to Rome to tell Paul about the condition of the church and the challenges they faced with false teaching.

8and who has told us of your love in the Spirit.
ὁ καὶ δηλώσας ἡμῖν τὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην ἐν πνεύματι.

Earnest intercession for the churches

Epaphras was known for his fervent prayer for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, that they might stand firm and complete in God's will.

12Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand mature and fully convinced in everything God wills.
ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἐπαφρᾶς ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν, δοῦλος ⸀Χριστοῦ, πάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς, ἵνα ⸀σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ ⸀πεπληροφορημένοι ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ θεοῦ.
13For I testify that he works hard for you and for those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
μαρτυρῶ γὰρ αὐτῷ ὅτι ἔχει ⸂πολὺν πόνον⸃ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν καὶ τῶν ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ καὶ τῶν ἐν Ἱεραπόλει.

Fellow prisoner with Paul

Epaphras is referred to as Paul's fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, showing his dedication to the gospel even under difficult circumstances.

23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,
⸀Ἀσπάζεταί σε Ἐπαφρᾶς ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,

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