Eparhras
After Justus the better-known name of Epaphras appears – ‘Epaphras, who is one of you [a Colossian], a servant of Christ’ (verse 12). What was distinctive about Epaphras? There is something that was probably true of the others also, but it particularly distinguishes this brother – he is an interceder. Paul says he was ‘always labouring fervently for you in prayers’.
Epaphras had probably been converted through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, following which he returned to Colosse and evangelised the city. Not only that city, but he apparently founded churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis too. Now he is willing to share Paul’s room, being treated as a prisoner like Aristarchus. So he prays alongside Paul.
The apostle provides us with detail about the contents of the prayers of Epaphras, who laboured fervently for the Colossians, and others, that they would – ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God’. ‘Labouring fervently’ is very strong in the original, the English word ‘agonising’ coming directly from the Greek term.
Epaphras feels for the people, clearly praying for individuals and their situations, that they will progress in sanctification, knowledge and service for Christ, for all these are ‘the will of God’. This also includes their preservation in purity (that they will not surrender to the threatening Colossian heresy) and that glory may be brought to Christ through the salvation of souls.
The prayers of Epaphras are not fitful or listless, nor just occasional and half-hearted, they are wrestling pleadings for the people. He asks that they may become mature and complete in the will of God, which means – God’s will as expressed in his Word. In other words, he prays that they will have a clear grasp of doctrine.
He prays for them, no doubt by name, for he knows them, and he asks that they will obey spiritual duties day by day, and never be turned aside. That is the agenda for the prayers of Epaphras. Is it so with us?
Paul makes a kind of oath to attest the quality of the praying of Epaphras, saying – ‘I bear him record…’ He prayed as he did for three -churches, constantly. If only we would be interceders of this quality there would possibly be many more churches like those three congregations throughout our land. Epaphras saluted them, and we salute him – the interceder!
After Justus the better-known name of Epaphras appears – ‘Epaphras, who is one of you [a Colossian], a servant of Christ’ (verse 12). What was distinctive about Epaphras? There is something that was probably true of the others also, but it particularly distinguishes this brother – he is an interceder. Paul says he was ‘always labouring fervently for you in prayers’.
Epaphras had probably been converted through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, following which he returned to Colosse and evangelised the city. Not only that city, but he apparently founded churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis too. Now he is willing to share Paul’s room, being treated as a prisoner like Aristarchus. So he prays alongside Paul.
The apostle provides us with detail about the contents of the prayers of Epaphras, who laboured fervently for the Colossians, and others, that they would – ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God’. ‘Labouring fervently’ is very strong in the original, the English word ‘agonising’ coming directly from the Greek term.
Epaphras feels for the people, clearly praying for individuals and their situations, that they will progress in sanctification, knowledge and service for Christ, for all these are ‘the will of God’. This also includes their preservation in purity (that they will not surrender to the threatening Colossian heresy) and that glory may be brought to Christ through the salvation of souls.
The prayers of Epaphras are not fitful or listless, nor just occasional and half-hearted, they are wrestling pleadings for the people. He asks that they may become mature and complete in the will of God, which means – God’s will as expressed in his Word. In other words, he prays that they will have a clear grasp of doctrine.
He prays for them, no doubt by name, for he knows them, and he asks that they will obey spiritual duties day by day, and never be turned aside. That is the agenda for the prayers of Epaphras. Is it so with us?
Paul makes a kind of oath to attest the quality of the praying of Epaphras, saying – ‘I bear him record…’ He prayed as he did for three -churches, constantly. If only we would be interceders of this quality there would possibly be many more churches like those three congregations throughout our land. Epaphras saluted them, and we salute him – the interceder!
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