Its ironic,
how many of the significant people in our lives, and in biblical history, are
often overlooked and go unnoticed. Epaphras, whose name means “lovely,” was one
such character, who played an important role in the lives of many early church
believers. Although his name only appears 3 times in the New Testament, and all
by the apostle Paul, Epaphras was a Christlike character who had an impact.
Paul indicates
that Epaphras was from the city of Colossae. It was he who had introduced the
gospel of grace and truth to that city, which lead to the salvation of some,
and the initiation of the church (Colossians 1:7; 4:12). While first contact
evangelism in any community takes faith and courage, Epaphras continued to prove
these two qualities were the pattern of his life.
While we
know very little of his life’s circumstances, Epaphras somehow ended up sharing
prison time with the apostle Paul in Rome. When Paul wrote his passionate letter
to Philemon, who was a leader in the Colossae church, he included a greeting
from their brother Epaphras, who was presently a fellow
prisoner in Christ Jesus with him (Philemon 1:23).
Obviously, Paul
and Epaphras had spent time talking, providing Paul with the information of the
background and condition of the church in Colossae. Paul spoke highly of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful
minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the
Spirit (Colossians 1:7-8). Faithfulness
and service to others, and on behalf of others, is a refreshing expression of
Christlike humility which is desperately needed in all places by all
Christians.
Paul’s exhortation
in Galatians 6:9-10 rang true in Epaphras. Let
us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not
give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and
especially to those who are of the household of faith. Paul notes
that Epaphras worked hard for you and for those
in Laodicea and in Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13).
And it was
Epaphras’ servant attitude that shone through his prayer life. Paul records
that Epaphras is always struggling (wrestling)
on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand
mature and fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12-13). Prayer is not
for the selfish or lazy people. Rather, effective prayer perseveres, investing
time and energy, navigating the various issues needing to be discussed with the
Lord. It’s communion with God, sharing the deepest thoughts and feelings with
the intention of watching for God’s response. At times it’s a labour that can
be painful, unpacking the unpleasant realities of living in a sinfully hostile environment.
Other times prayer rides on the high waves of joy and praise for the stunning
character and works of Yahweh. This was the prayer life of Epaphras.
However, two
themes dominated Epaphras’ prayers for his Christian family; (1) that you may stand mature and, (2) fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12). Growing towards
spiritual maturity, which is Christlike character, is one thing. But to stand
long-term maintaining your Christlike character takes unnatural spiritual
resolve, and Epaphras new this. Likewise, living a Spirit filled life where you
are inwardly assured of God’s will in your life is an incredible manifestation
of the Lord’s Jesus. Both these qualities require our best efforts synchronized
with the working of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, these are worthy of our prayer
attention for both self and others.
May we follow the example
of Epaphras, for the glory of Christ and other’s blessing.
