Scripture to Read: Colossians 4:12–13
God allowed Paul to return and discuss Epaphras further. Epaphras is only mentioned three times in Scripture. He is first mentioned in Colossians 1:7–8, where Paul refers to him as a faithful minister who shared the gospel of Christ with the people in Colossae. Epaphras also informed Paul and others of the love in the Spirit that the Christians in Colossae had. Then, we read in Colossians 4:12–13, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” We see how God had Paul describe him as a servant of Christ who prayed fervently for the Christians in Colossae to stand firm in their walk with Christ. He had a deep concern for the Christians in Colossae as well as for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Finally, Epaphras is mentioned in Philemon 1:23, as God had Paul mention him as a fellow prisoner, indicating his close relationship with Paul. Epaphras may not be mentioned often, but our Lord used him to establish the church in Colossae, and he served as a faithful friend and brother in Christ to Paul. Although there may not be many people who know us, God knows us, and He knows He has chosen us to fulfill the works He has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
Challenge & Application
How did God use the example of Epaphras to encourage you to fulfill the good works God has for you to do?
How are you doing in those works each day, and how do you see God using you in the lives around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!