Colossians 1:7
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The verse highlights Epaphras not just as a teacher, but as someone who ministered "for you," meaning his service was entirely focused on the Colossians' spiritual well-being, not his own gain. This selfless dedication, expressed by Paul as a "fellow servant," underscores that true ministry always prioritizes the good of others.
just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is introducing the letter by grounding the Colossians' faith in someone they know personally: Epaphras. This Epaphras, who taught them the gospel and is a fellow worker with Paul, is highlighted as a faithful minister specifically serving them. Paul's praise of Epaphras serves to validate the very teachings the Colossians received, setting the stage to address any false doctrines that might arise.
Paul calls Epaphras a "beloved fellow-servant." What does this title reveal about their relationship and the nature of ministry in the early church?
A Shared Mission
Paul uses the term "fellow-servant" (Greek: sundoulos) for Epaphras, a word he reserves for very close colleagues.
The verse emphasizes Epaphras as a "faithful minister of Christ" specifically "for you." What does this "for you" really mean?
Ministry Focused on Others
The phrase "for you" (Greek: ) is key to understanding Epaphras's ministry.
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Understand the original words
syndoulos · Greek Noun
A person devoted to the service of another, often used in the New Testament to describe those who serve Christ and the church with humility and dedication.
pistos · Greek Adjective
One who is trustworthy, reliable, and steadfast in fulfilling a duty or commission, especially in the context of serving Christ.
diakonos · Greek Noun
One who serves as an agent or representative of another, particularly used for those tasked with the proclamation and administration of the Gospel of Christ.
This verse highlights how the foundational ministry of individuals like Epaphras, though perhaps less known than Paul's, was absolutely vital to the spread and health of the early church. His diligent work in Colossae laid the groundwork for Paul's later encouragement and instruction.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spends approximately three years in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. This period is crucial as many churches in the surrounding region, including Colossae, are established or strengthened during this time.
c. AD 55-60— this verse
Epaphras Establishes the Church at Colossae
Epaphras, likely a native of the region and a disciple of Paul, travels to Colossae and preaches the gospel. He plants the church there and faithfully ministers to its members, teaching them the truths of God's grace.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphras Visits Paul in Prison
Epaphras travels to wherever Paul is imprisoned (likely Rome or Caesarea) to report on the Colossian church and seek counsel. He shares with Paul the progress and challenges of the church, including their love for him.
c. AD 62
Paul Writes the Epistle to the Colossians
From his place of imprisonment, Paul dictates the letter to the Colossians. He writes to affirm their faith, correct emerging errors, and encourage them, highlighting the faithful ministry of Epaphras.
This verse introduces Epaphroditus, who is also described as a fellow worker and minister, highlighting the importance of faithful servants in the early church.
1 Corinthians 3:5This passage discusses the roles of ministers like Paul and Apollos as servants through whom believers come to faith, paralleling Epaphras's role as a spiritual teacher for the Colossians.
Galatians 4:12Paul appeals to the Galatians' love for him, similar to how he commends the Colossians' love for Epaphras, showing a pattern of affirming affectionate relationships between apostles and their co-workers.
Philemon 1:23Epaphras is mentioned here as Paul's 'fellow prisoner,' underscoring his dedication and shared suffering with Paul for the sake of the Gospel, which further validates his faithfulness described in Colossians.
Colossians 4:12-13This passage further describes Epaphras's deep concern and prayerful labor for the Colossian church and its neighbors, reinforcing the idea of his committed ministry on their behalf.
vincentColossians 1:7: "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;"
Fellow-servantUsed by Paul only here and Colossians 4:7.Minister (διάκονος)See on Matthew 20:26; see on Mark 9:35.For you (ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν)Read ἡμῶν, us as Rev., on our behalf: as Paul's representative.
gillColossians 1:7: "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;"
As ye also learned of Epaphras,.... To know the grace of God, believe the truth of the Gospel, and to own and profess it sincerely, Our dear fellow servant; a "servant" of Christ he was, and a "fellow" servant of the apostles, jointly engaged with them in preaching the Gospel; which character, as it greatly commends Epaphras, and shows him to be a very considerable preacher of…
The verse highlights Epaphras not just as a teacher, but as someone who ministered "for you," meaning his service was entirely focused on the Colossians' spiritual well-being, not his own gain. This selfless dedication, expressed by Paul as a "fellow servant," underscores that true ministry always prioritizes the good of others.
Paul is introducing the letter by grounding the Colossians' faith in someone they know personally: Epaphras. This Epaphras, who taught them the gospel and is a fellow worker with Paul, is highlighted as a faithful minister specifically serving them. Paul's praise of Epaphras serves to validate the very teachings the Colossians received, setting the stage to address any false doctrines that might arise.
Paul is introducing the letter by grounding the Colossians' faith in someone they know personally: Epaphras. This Epaphras, who taught them the gospel and is a fellow worker with Paul, is highlighted as a faithful minister specifically serving them. Paul's praise of Epaphras serves to validate the very teachings the Colossians received, setting the stage to address any false doctrines that might arise.
"just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf" — The verse highlights Epaphras not just as a teacher, but as someone who ministered "for you," meaning his service was entirely focused on the Colossians' spiritual well-being, not his own gain. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
