Brother Epaphras Colossians 4 12 13 He Was

Brother Epaphras Colossians 4: 12 -13

He Was A Beloved Servant • Paul had a servant to work with him whom he loved (Col. 1: 7) • All Christians are to be “servants” (Gr. doulos) • We need to work together as “servants” and we need to be “loved” and loving; there needs to be close camraderie

He Was A Faithful Minister • The Colossians learned the truth of the gospel from him (Col. 1: 5 -8) • All Christians are to be “ministers of Christ” diakonos) – Mt. 20: 26 -28 (Gr. • We have the same opportunities to “minister” to others the hope of heaven in the gospel (2 Tim. 2: 2; Heb. 5: 12)

He Was A Greeter • The Colossians were saluted (greeted) by him (Col. 4: 12) • It doesn’t sound like much, but we need to greet others; it makes them feel appreciated, encouraged, remembered • We need to be self-less and concerned more for others; we need to “get out of our little world”

He Was A Man of Intense Prayer • The Colossians were prayed for by him (Col. 4: 12) • This is an intense prayer; a struggle; fervent labor (Gr. agonizomai, Eng. agonize) • We need to pray for others (1 Tim. 2: 1); we need to “strive” in our prayers for others (Rom. 15: 30)

He Was A Balanced Man • He wanted the Colossians to be “fully assured in all the will of God” (Col. 4: 12) • Unlike many today, Epaphras wanted all the will of God to be practiced and promoted • We need to proclaim the whole counsel of God (Acts 20: 27); we need to be bold and gentle (1 Thess. 2: 2, 7); we need to balanced in our preaching and teaching (2 Tim. 4: 2)

He Was A Man of Zeal • He had “much labor” or “great zeal” for the Colossians (Col. 4: 13) • The Gr. word here is ponos and means “great trouble; toil; pain, intense desire” • We should known (“I bear him witness”) for having great toil and pain for our brethren

He Was A Fellow-Prisoner • He was imprisoned with Paul (Philemon 23) • We are not given the details, but we can concluded that Epaphras stood for truth; he did not compromise; he had unwavering commitment to right; he stood with Paul and Jesus (Eph. 3: 1; 4: 1) • When the day comes, will we “do time” for the Lord (Mt. 12: 30)?