Colossians 4:12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to skim over "that you may stand mature and fully assured." This isn't just about feeling good; it's about a deep, settled conviction that enables you to face anything, grounded in every single thing God wills. Epaphras's intense prayers were for them to be so firmly rooted in God's directives that they wouldn't waver, no matter what life threw at them.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of the closing greetings in Paul's letter to the Colossians, following a section where he lists several fellow workers and offers instructions about receiving them. Epaphras, who is already known to the Colossian church and likely their founder, is highlighted here for his intense, ongoing prayer for their spiritual maturity and steadfastness in God's will. This emphasis on prayer immediately precedes Paul's own final instructions and benediction, grounding the letter's encouragement in the power of intercession.
What does it mean to 'struggle' in prayer? It's more than just asking; it's a passionate, even agonizing, battle.
Epaphras isn't just sending good vibes; he's actively 'struggling' (agonizing) on behalf of the Colossians. This Greek word paints a picture of intense effort, like an athlete in a strenuous competition or someone fighting a fierce battle.
A Wrestling Match
This wasn't a casual request. Epaphras was pouring his spiritual energy into prayer, wrestling with God for the Colossians. He saw the dangers they faced—whether from false teachings or spiritual complacency—and he fought against them in the prayer arena.
Why Such Intensity?
He prayed that they would stand 'mature and fully assured.' This goal requires more than a gentle nudge; it demands persistent, fervent intercession. Epaphras understood that spiritual growth and steadfastness are hard-won.
What does true spiritual maturity look like? It's about more than just knowing things; it's about standing firm in God's purpose.
The goal of Epaphras's intense prayer is for the Colossians to 'stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.' This isn't a passive state but an active, unwavering stance.
What Does 'Mature' Mean?
Ask a follow-up
'Mature' (teleios) suggests completeness, lacking nothing. It's about being fully developed, not like spiritual infants, but like adults who can handle the challenges of faith. It’s about a wholeness in Christ.
Fully Assured Knowledge
'Fully assured' (peplērophorēmenoi) speaks to a deep conviction. It's a certainty that leaves no room for doubt, a confidence rooted in the truth of God's Word and the work of the Spirit. This assurance leads to steadfastness.
The Framework: God's Will
And where do they stand? 'In all the will of God.' This means embracing everything God has ordained—His commands, His purposes, His plan for their lives. It's about aligning their entire being with His desires, not just a part of it.
Epaphras wasn't an outsider; he was 'one of you.' What does this personal connection mean for his prayers?
The phrase 'who is one of you' immediately grounds Epaphras in the Colossian community. He isn't praying for strangers; he's interceding for his own people.
A Shared Identity
This connection fosters a deep, personal investment. Epaphras likely knew their specific struggles, their cultural context, and their unique challenges. This intimacy fuels his prayerful 'struggle.'
A Shepherd's Heart
As someone 'of you,' and a 'servant of Christ Jesus,' Epaphras embodies a pastoral heart. He shares their identity as believers but also carries a unique responsibility for their spiritual well-being. His prayers are not just for general Christian living but for the specific flourishing of the Colossian church.
Encouragement for Us
This reminds us that our spiritual leaders and fellow believers are meant to be deeply connected to us. Prayer isn't meant to be solitary; it thrives within a community that knows and cares for one another.
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A general term for a slave, bondservant, or one who is entirely devoted to the will and service of another; in a Christian context, it signifies total submission to Christ as Lord.
teleios · Greek Adjective
Spiritual or moral completeness; a state of being fully grown or perfect in faith, lacking nothing that God requires for spiritual health.
peplērophorēmenos · Greek Adjective
A state of firm, unwavering belief or conviction; it implies a settled mindset that rests securely upon the promises and truth of God.
thelēma tou Theou · Greek Noun
The revealed purpose, desire, and decree of God for His creation and His people, which believers are called to discern and obey.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extensive ministry in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia, Paul likely encountered Epaphras and the emerging churches in the Lycus Valley, including those at Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. This period likely marks the initial establishment of these congregations.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
While imprisoned in Rome, Paul received visitors, including Epaphras, who brought news from the churches in the Lycus Valley. This imprisonment provided Epaphras with the opportunity to share his deep concern for the Colossian believers with Paul.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Colossians
From his Roman imprisonment, Paul penned the letter to the Colossians. Epaphras, deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of the Colossians, is highlighted as a key intercessor, whose fervent prayers are a testament to his pastoral heart.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphras's Continued Ministry
Even while Epaphras was with Paul in Rome, his heart remained with the Colossian church. The verse emphasizes his ongoing struggle and deep concern for their spiritual maturity and steadfastness in God's will.
This passage speaks of 'struggling in your prayers,' echoing Epaphras' 'struggling on your behalf in his prayers' and highlighting the intense effort involved in intercessory prayer for others.
1 Corinthians 1:8Paul prays that believers will be sustained 'to the end,' which aligns with Epaphras' prayer that the Colossians may 'stand mature and fully assured,' emphasizing spiritual steadfastness.
Ephesians 4:13This verse describes believers reaching 'a mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,' which beautifully captures the essence of Epaphras' prayer for the Colossians to stand 'mature and fully assured.'
1 Thessalonians 3:10Paul expresses his desire to see the Thessalonians and 'supply what is lacking in your faith,' similar to Epaphras' earnest prayer for the Colossians' spiritual completeness and assurance.
Hebrews 13:21The prayer that God equip believers 'in every good work to do his will' resonates with Epaphras' goal for the Colossians to 'stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God,' focusing on alignment with God's purposes.
henryColossians 4:10-18: "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"
4:10-18 Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostl…
meyerColossians 4:12: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
Colossians 4:12 . Ἐπαφρᾶς ] See Colossians 1:7 and Introd. It is to be observed that, according to Colossians 4:11 , Epaphras, Luke, and Demas ( Colossians 4:14 ) were no Jewish- Christians, whereas Tiele in the Stud. u. Krit . 1858, p. 765, holding Luke to be by birth a Jew, has recourse to forced expedi…
It's easy to skim over "that you may stand mature and fully assured." This isn't just about feeling good; it's about a deep, settled conviction that enables you to face anything, grounded in every single thing God wills. Epaphras's intense prayers were for them to be so firmly rooted in God's directives that they wouldn't waver, no matter what life threw at them.
This verse is part of the closing greetings in Paul's letter to the Colossians, following a section where he lists several fellow workers and offers instructions about receiving them. Epaphras, who is already known to the Colossian church and likely their founder, is highlighted here for his intense, ongoing prayer for their spiritual maturity and steadfastness in God's will. This emphasis on prayer immediately precedes Paul's own final instructions and benediction, grounding the letter's encouragement in the power of intercession.
This verse is part of the closing greetings in Paul's letter to the Colossians, following a section where he lists several fellow workers and offers instructions about receiving them. Epaphras, who is already known to the Colossian church and likely their founder, is highlighted here for his intense, ongoing prayer for their spiritual maturity and steadfastness in God's will. This emphasis on prayer immediately precedes Paul's own final instructions and benediction, grounding the letter's encouragement in the power of intercession.
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God." — It's easy to skim over "that you may stand mature and fully assured." This isn't just about feeling good; it's about a deep, settled conviction that enables you to face anything, grounded in *every s…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
