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.
Are 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.
Why did Paul wrote to the Colossians?
Paul wrote his Epistle to the Colossians because of a report that they were falling into serious error (see Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles”). False teachings and practices in Colossae were influencing the Saints there and threatening their faith. Similar cultural pressures pose challenges for Church members today.
Was Epaphras martyred?
Tradition teaches that Epaphras eventually returned to Colossae where he remained a faithful servant of Christ and was later martyred.
What does the name Epaphras mean?
In Biblical Names the meaning of the name Epaphras is: Covered with foam.
Who started the Church of Philippi?
The first Christian church in Europe was founded at Philippi (built on top of a tomb of a Hellenistic hero) which had become an important early Christian centre following a visit to the city by Paul the Apostle in 49 CE.
Why is Colossians so important?
Colossians addresses problems in the church and challenges believers to examine their lives and be transformed through the love of Jesus. Colossians addresses problems in the church and challenges believers to examine their lives and be transformed through the love of Jesus.
What are the three main points that Paul made in Colossians?
What are the three main points that Paul made in Colossians?...Terms in this set (46) All the fullness dwells in the preeminent Christ. Believers are complete in Christ.Believers should seek to know more of Christ in his fullness by seeking the things above where he dwells, not the things of the earth.
What happened to Colossae?
It was part of the Roman – and then Byzantine – province of Phrygia Pacatiana, before being destroyed in 1192/3 and its population relocating to nearby Chonae (Chonai, modern-day Honaz).
What is Paul's real name?
Saul of TarsusPaul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, (born 4 bce?, Tarsus in Cilicia [now in Turkey]—died c. 62–64 ce, Rome [Italy]), one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians, often considered to be the most important person after Jesus in the history of Christianity.
Who founded the Church of Colossians?
Letter of Paul to the Colossians, also called Epistle of St. 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.
What was archippus ministry?
In Paul's letter to Philemon (Philemon 1:2), Archippus is named once alongside Philemon and Apphia as a host of the church, and a "fellow soldier." In Colossians 4:17 (ascribed to Paul), the church is instructed to tell Archippus to "Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."
What does Epaphras mean in the Bible?
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EPAPHRAS. ep'-a-fras (Epaphras): A contracted form of Epaphroditus. He must not, however, be confounded with the messenger of the Philippian community. He was with Paul during a part of his 1st Roman imprisonment, joining in Paul's greetings to Philemon (Philemon 1:23).
What does Epaphras say in Colossians 4:12?
/s/sends.htm - 32k. Salutes (7 Occurrences) Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Who evangelized the Colossians?
Epaphras ( Colossians 1:7) evangelized the Colossians with the Gospel and planted the church in their city. Here, Paul gave his stamp of approval on Epaphras' life, ministry and gospel ("our dear fellow servant" and "for a faithful minister of Christ").
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 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 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.
Who are the biblical characters?
Some biblical characters — Moses, Paul, David — are well known. Others, like our man Epaphras, enter the scene for mere second and are gone. Similar to a movie extra, there is little you know about them. But there is a story in them, and Epaphras was a man with a story.
Was Epaphras a man of priority?
Epaphras was a man of priority. Epaphras was a man who had his priorities dialed. He was a “servant of Christ Jesus,” so Christ came first in his life. He considered Himself Jesus’ slave. He had given himself up to the will of another. In looking for a master, he could have found no one finer than Jesus. For Paul to label Epaphras as a servant is ...
How many times is Epaphras mentioned in the Bible?
Epaphras is mentioned only three times in the Bible. In three sentences across two books of the Bible, we catch a tiny glimpse of one man with a significant legacy of faith.
What does Epaphras do in verse 13?
A worker for the kingdom. In verse 13, Paul elaborates and vouches for the hard work that Epaphras does on behalf of the churches of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. His faith is seen through his efforts, as he works persistently as their representative.
What does Epaphras mean in Colossians 4?
Colossians 4 gives us a deeper picture of 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. He has followed God's leading and is at work with Paul as a missionary of God's kingdom. Epaphras is known by the congregation in Colossae and he is a member of their fellowship. He is invested in them and they are his spiritual family.
What does Epaphras pray for?
Verse 12 goes on to say that, “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” He is not just diligent in his work, but he is faithful on his knees. He is wrestling in prayer for those brothers and sisters in Christ, whom he loves. He prays they are staying strong in their faith, are maturing in their faith day by day, and have confidence that they are claimed by God. Epaphras is wrestling, fighting a spiritual battle on behalf of his beloved friends.
What is Epaphras wrestling with?
He is wrestling in prayer for those brothers and sisters in Christ, whom he loves. He prays they are staying strong in their faith, are maturing in their faith day by day, and have confidence that they are claimed by God. Epaphras is wrestling, fighting a spiritual battle on behalf of his beloved friends.
Who is Epaphras in Colossae?
He has followed God's leading and is at work with Paul as a missionary of God's kingdom. Epaphras is known by the congregation in Colossa e and he is a member of their fellowship. He is invested in them and they are his spiritual family.
Who is the fellow prisoner in the book of Philemon?
A fellow believer. In the book of Philemon, Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, and sends greetings to Philemon on his behalf. Epaphras was probably with Paul under his house arrest in Rome, making him a fellow prisoner in his companionship with Paul. This brief mention tells us little--only that Epaphras shares Paul ’s ...
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.
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.
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.
Did Epaphroditus die?
In his fervor to serve the Lord by serving Paul, Epaphroditus became seriously ill and, in fact, almost died.
