Full Answer
What the Bible Says About Epaphras?
In Colossians 4:12, Paul says “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.” Epaphras is not a stranger to the congregation at Colossae; he is one of them. He is a servant who is obedient to Christ Jesus.
Was epaphroditus and Epaphras the same person?
Some link Epaphroditus with another proper name in the New Testament, Epaphras (Colossians 1:7, 4:12; Philemon 23), with the suggestion that the latter is a “contracted” or “pet form” for the Philippian envoy. However, this is a coincidence with no indication that it is the same person.
Was Epaphras martyred?
Tradition teaches that Epaphras eventually returned to Colossae where he remained a faithful servant of Christ and was later martyred.
What is the meaning of Colossians 4 12?
He contended, prayerfully, for the Colossians. His request was for them to stand mature in Christ. He would kneel so they could stand. God is looking for people who will adopt a people and struggle for them in prayer. He is looking for those who are willing to bring the burdens of others before Him.
Who were Paul and Barnabas mistaken for?
After healing a lame man, the apostles Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods at Lystra; the priest brings them a sacrifice of oxen.
What happened to Epaphroditus in the Bible?
Either on the journey to Rome or more likely while serving at Paul's side in Rome, Epaphroditus became ill and almost died. He is now being sent back to Philippi as the bearer of this epistle. Paul's praise of Epaphroditus is effusive.
Who was the first martyr to stoned to death?
StephenStephen, (died 36 ce, Jerusalem; feast day December 26), Christian deacon in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr, whose apology before the Sanhedrin (Acts of the Apostles 7) points to a distinct strand of belief in early Christianity.
Where was the church of Colossae located?
Where is Biblical Colossae? The unexcavated site of Colossae sits near the modern city of Honaz at the base of Mt. Cadmus (in modern Turkey). It is located near the sites of Laodicea and Hierapolis, which also appear in the Bible.
Who started the church in Colossae?
Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, abbreviation Colossians, twelfth book of the New Testament, addressed to Christians at Colossae, Asia Minor, whose congregation was founded by St. Paul the Apostle's colleague Epaphras.
Who is talking in Colossians 4?
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
What does Colossians 4 verse 2 mean?
Being watchful and alert over your soul and spiritual things is not a cause for doubt over your standing with Christ; it is wisdom for a world of tribulations and dangers to your soul. It is a reminder of the need of prayer in that we are completely dependent upon God.
Who are the people in Colossians 4?
In Colossians 4:10–11, Paul tells the Colossians that Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus (called Justus) “are the only men of the circumcision among [Paul's] fellow workers for [εἰς] the kingdom of God” (4:11). Let's examine a number of aspects of this verse.
What is the Epaphras?
Epaphras. Attributes. Christian Martyrdom. Epaphras ( Greek: Ἐπαφράς) was an observer of the Apostle Paul mentioned twice in the New Testament epistle of Colossians and once in the New Testament letter to Philemon.
Where does Epaphras send greetings?
At the end of the same letter to the Church in Colossae, it is noted that Epaphras is "one of them" and that he sends "greetings" ( Colossians 4:12) from his current location to the recipients of the letter. There is a similar refrain in Paul's letter to Philemon, where a person of the same name passes on his "greetings" to Philemon ...
What does Epaphras mean in the Bible?
Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Epaphras. Epaphras [N] [H] [S] lovely, spoken of by Paul ( Colossians 1:7 ; 4:12 ) as "his dear fellow-servant," and "a faithful minister of Christ.". He was thus evidently with him at Rome when he wrote to the Colossians.
What does Paul mean by "our beloved fellow servant"?
Paul's regard for him is shown by his designating him "our beloved fellow-servant," "a faithful minister of Christ" ( Colossians 1:7 ), and "a bondservant of Christ Jesus" ( Colossians 4:12 margin) . The last designation Paul uses several times of himself, but only once of another besides Epaphras ( Philippians 1:1 ). S. F. Hunter.
What does Paul say in his salutation to the Colossians?
In sending his salutation to the Colossians Paul testified, "He hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis" ( Colossians 4:13 ). Epaphras had brought to Paul good news of the progress of the gospel, of their "faith in Christ Jesus" and of their love toward all the saints ( Colossians 1:4 ).
Was Epaphras a missionary?
He was with Paul during a part of his 1st Roman imprisonment, joining in Paul's greetings to Philemon ( Philemon 1:23 ). Epaphras was the missionary by whose instrumentality the Colossians had been converted to Christianity ( Colossians 1:7 ), ...
Who published the Bible in 1897?
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely. [N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible. [H] indicates this entry was also found in Hitchcock's Bible Names. [S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary. Bibliography Information.
Why does Paul associate himself with Epaphras?
Paul may associate himself with Epaphras in this letter because his opponents in Colossae are question his credentials–who is Epaphras to be teaching the congregation spiritual things? The church may be influenced by other teachers for guidance rather than a young evangelist like Epaphras. Paul gives Epaphras has his personal approval in the opening of this letter, what Epaphras teaches is exactly what Paul taught.
Why did Paul use the verb "epaphras"?
Perhaps Paul used this verb in order to set the gospel preached by Epaphras apart from the Colossian heresy. Epaphras was disciple by Paul and trained to be an evangelist and church planter by the apostle Paul himself.
Where is Epaphras from?
Asinius Epaphroditus, although it is unlikely this is the biblical Epaphras (F. M. Gillman, ABD 2:533). Epaphras was from Colossae (4:12) and may be an evangelist in the Lycus valley.
What year was Colossae destroyed?
By the first century, the city of Colossae could only be described as a “small town” by Strabo, ( Geography, 7.8.13.) Little is known about the town in this period other than it was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60/61.
What does Paul's prayer mean?
Paul’s prayer serves to underscore the authority of a local pastor-evangelist who faced questions from by his church. Paul lets the church know from the first paragraph that he will be siding with Epaphras in any theological debates in the church!
Who founded the church at Colossae?
The church at Colossae was founded by Epaphras (Ἐπαφρᾶς, pronounced “e-paf-ras”), a disciple of Paul from Ephesus (cf. 1:7, 4:12). Paul calls Epaphras a “faithful minister” (1:7). The name is short for Epaphroditus (Ἐπαφρόδιτος), a name common in the first century meaning “lovely, fascinating, charming” (LSJ). ...
Who was Epaphras the disciple of?
Epaphras was disciple by Paul and trained to be an evangelist and church planter by the apostle Paul himself. The opponents do not appear to be associated with anyone in the apostolic circle and their teaching is not approved by Paul.
What does Epaphras pray for?
So Epaphras was a man of prayer. Paul uses the word “struggle” to describe his prayer life, which indicates a bit of agony in prayer. Creation groans, the Spirit groans, and Epaphras groaned (Romans 8:22-23). He contended, prayerfully, for the Colossians. His request was for them to stand mature in Christ. He would kneel so they could stand.
Why is Epaphras mentioned in the Bible?
But there is a story in them, and Epaphras was a man with a story. He ended up in the Bible because he had visited and befriended Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. From Colossi, Epaphras was Paul ’s fellow minister; he might have been the founder of the church in Colossi (Colossians 1:7). Eventually, he became Paul’s fellow prisoner (Philemon 23).
What is Paul's most notable quality?
Paul said his work ethic and passion had invaded his prayer life, for was “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers.”. The Colossians were ever-present in his prayer life.
What was Epaphras' priority in life?
He had one priority in life: please Christ. He did not have to say, “God first, family second, church third,” for Epaphras merely said, “Christ in all.”. If his Master told him to visit Paul, he would visit Paul. If his Master told him to love his wife better, he would love his wife better.
Where did Jesus rebuke the lukewarmness?
He had a fervor about him, especially for that particular region (Colossi, Laodicea , and Hierapolis were located a dozen miles from one another). Years later, Jesus would rebuke the lukewarmness in Laodicea, but it didn’t start with Epaphras. He was strong. The man was a fire.
What is God looking for in Epaphras?
He was all in, for there was nothing half-hearted about him. God is looking for people who will bring passion and energy into their work for Him. He is looking for those who will diligently serve Him with their lives. He is looking for those like Epaphras.
What was Christ's vision?
Christ’s vision had become Epaphras’ vision . If he was a pastor, he studied diligently. If he was a small group leader, he lovingly pursued everyone in the group. If he was a kid’s church teacher, he arrived early and served each family well. He was all in, for there was nothing half-hearted about him.
What does Epaphras say about the Apostle Paul?
In Colossians 1:7, the Apostle Paul says of Epaphras, that he is a "faithful minister of Christ" & he had declared to Paul & Timothy the love that those in Colosse had in the Spirit. In Colossians 4:12, Paul mentions Epaphras again saying he is one of them, "a bondservant of Christ", meaning he is a believer in Christ who is fully submitted to Him.
How many times is Epaphras mentioned in the Bible?
The higher the vote, the further up an answer is. "Epaphras" is mentioned only 3 times in the bible, in Colossians 1:7 & 4:12 & in Philemon 1:23. However, a similar name with the same etymology, "Epaphroditus" is mentioned in 2 other verses, in Philippians 2:25 & 4:18. Biblical names can be tricky.
What does Epaphroditus mean in Philippians 2:25?
In Philippians 2:25 & 4:18, Paul refers to Epaphroditus as being a brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier & one who has been used of the LORD to bring perhaps a word of comfort & a few small necessities. Paul rarely bothered anyone asking for anything.
What is Epaphras' unusual prayer?
This giant in prayer knew how to lay all before the Lord, and praying in secret, made the saints be perfect and complete in their standing through his kneeling. May we labor secretly in prayer, too, as we intercede for other Christians.
What is a good answer?
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
Where was Paul a prisoner?
When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, Epaphras came to him with a favourable account of the Church at Colossae. He remained with Paul in Rome and was, in a sense, his "fellow prisoner" ( Philemon 1:23 ).
Who is one of you in Colossians 4:12?
In Colossians 4:12 Paul also refers to Epaphras as "who is one of you", meaning he was a Colossian. Paul further said that Epaphras was laboring over the Colossians in prayers that they may come before God's heavenly presence in a morally perfect state. Epaphras was also a fellow prisoner in Christ with Paul ( Philemon 23 ).
What does the preposition "epi" mean?
The preposition επι ( epi) means on, upon or unto, but often works as an intensifier (very much so, more than so), rather like our word "extra". From this ubiquitous preposition derives the conjunction επει ( epei ), which mostly means "because" or "since". — See the full Dictionary article and Biblical Concordance —.
What is the name of the epaphras?
The name Epaphras is a common shortened formed of the name Epaphroditus, which consists of two elements. The first part comes from the intensifying prefix επι ( epi ):
Where did Epaphras come from?
The name Epaphras belongs to a fellow worker of Paul, whom the latter mentions three times in his writings. Apparently, Epaphras was from Colossae ( Colossians 4:12 ), first explained the gospel to the Colossians and continued to liaise between Paul and them ( Colossians 1:7 ).
What does the second part of the name Aphrodite mean?
The second part of our name comes from the name Aphrodite ( Αφροδιτη ). What the latter name may literally mean is no longer clear but most suggestions center on the word αφρος, aphros, meaning foam:
What is the meaning of Aphrodite's name?
Most commentators relate Aphrodite's cult to that of Astarte (and ultimately Ashtoreth) but since Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beauty and pleasure (cognate to the Roman Venus) her name by implication means Lovely (hence our English word "aphrodisiac").
What does "aphros" mean?
The noun αφρος ( aphros) means foam: the structure that forms when liquid and air violently mix. It's commonly found on sea waves but also on the mouths of raging beasts or humans, and on wine and blood. The associated verb αφριζω ( aphrizo) means to foam or to get very excited or spirited.
Is Epaphras the same as Epaphroditus?
The name Epaphras is most likely a contracted form of Epaphroditus, and it's possible that Epaphras is the same person as the Epaphroditus mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Philippians.
1. EPAPHRAS WAS A BELOVED FELLOW-WORKER
In Colossians 1:7 the apostle describes Epaphras as his “dear fellow-servant”. There was a special reason for referring to him in this way. At the time this epistle was written Epaphras was with Paul in prison, and he had visited Paul to seek his advice and counsel concerning errors which were creeping into the church at Colosse.
2. EPAPHRAS WAS A FAITHFUL MINISTER OF CHRIST
He was undoubtedly a successful servant of the Lord - but Paul emphasises that he was “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1:7). Can there be a greater commendation than this? Epaphras was the minister of the church at Colosse, but more important than that, he was a minister of Christ - he was directly responsible to the Lord Himself.
3. EPAPHRAS WAS A BEARER OF GOOD NEWS
Look at Colossians 1:7-8: “Epaphras…who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” Nobody knew the church members at Colosse better than Epaphras, yet he said all the good things he could about them. He extolled their virtues and kept silent about their shortcomings.
4. EPAPHRAS WAS A MAN OF PRAYER
Colossians 4:12 tells us this. We should all be men and women of prayer, though some may be specially called to a ministry of prayer, as Epaphras evidently was. Notice the three characteristics of Epaphras’ praying:-
5. EPAPHRAS WAS A TRUE MISSIONARY
This is clear from Colossians 4:13. This man had a deep concern, not only for the Christians at Colosse, but also for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
What did Epaphroditus do when he received the Gospel?
When Epaphroditus received the gospel, he was “belonging to Jesus,” and the idol had no more claim on him, regardless of his name. The new birth trumped the birth name. When a man like Epaphroditus gives of himself for the sake of God’s kingdom, many people benefit.
Where is Epaphroditus mentioned in the Bible?
Epaphroditus played a key role in biblical history, even if his name is not immediately recognizable. He is mentioned by name twice in the book of Philippians, one of Paul’s Prison Epistles.
Did Epaphroditus die?
In his fervor to serve the Lord by serving Paul, Epaphroditus became seriously ill and, in fact, almost died.
Where was Paul under house arrest?
Paul was under house arrest in Rome, and the church in Philippi desired to send Paul what we might call a “care package.”. The Philippian believers gathered supplies and sent them to Rome by the hand of one of their own, a man named Epaphroditus.
Who was the messenger to the Philippians?
To the Philippians, Epaphroditus was a messenger who delivered a package. To Paul, however, he was so much more: a “brother” (belonging to the same family), a “co-worker” (laboring toward the same goal), and a “fellow soldier” (sharing the same trials). Epaphroditus was a man of obvious devotion, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice.
Is Epaphroditus a pagan name?
Interestingly, Epaphroditus’s name is of pagan origin. It means “belonging to Aphrodite”—the name of the goddess is actually incorporated into the name Epaphroditus. Such is the power of the gospel that a man is set free from dead paganism to serve the living God.
