Epaphras

A Christian from Colossae whom Paul identifies as a man of prayer ("he is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured"), a hard-working co-worker on behalf of the Colossians but also "for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 4:12). Paul's remark earlier in the letter that the Colossians learned the faith of the gospel "from Epaphras" suggests that Epaphras may have been instrumental in the founding of the church in the city, and possibly also Laodicea and Hierapolis (1:7). "Who told us of your love in the Spirit" suggests that it was through Epaphras that Paul learned about the Colossians' "faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints." Paul also calls Epaphras "our dear fellow servant" (agapetou sundoulou); it is difficult to tell, however, if there is any significant difference between this term and the more common sunergos, "fellow worker" that Paul uses of other coworkers. Paul also characterizes him as "a faithful minister of Christ" (Col 1:7) but also, of Epaphras alone, apart from himself does Paul call "a servant [doulous] of Christ Jesus" (Col 4:12).

Epaphras reappears in Paul's letter to Philemon where he is identified as Paul's "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus" (23). The term may mean no more than that he was visiting Paul while the latter was in prison. It has been suggested that Epaphras was, indeed, the person who brought Onesimus to Paul's attention, recognizing that he would be of use to Paul and Paul would be well placed to help the runaway slave (F. F. Bruce, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, NICNT).

The name Epaphras was probably a shortened version of Epaphroditus but should not be confused with another Christian of that name.