Colossians 4:12-13
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Epaphras wasn't just praying for the Colossians to be "okay"; he was "agonizing" in prayer for them to stand firm, not just in some of God's will, but in every single aspect of it. This intense, wrestling prayer reveals a deep concern for their complete assurance and unwavering adherence to God's complete plan.
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. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossian church. Following personal notes about other fellow workers like Aristarchus and Mark, Paul introduces Epaphras, highlighting his deep connection to the church and his constant intercessory prayer for them. The passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and assurance in God's will, a theme that runs throughout the letter as Paul combats false teachings.
Ever feel like you're wrestling through your faith, unsure if you're strong enough? What if someone was fighting that same battle for you?
Epaphras is described as 'always struggling' (or 'agonizing') for the Colossians. This isn't a casual prayer; it's an intense, heartfelt wrestling.
The Intensity of Prayer
What does it truly mean to be a 'finished product' in your faith? It's not about perfection, but about standing firm, fully convinced.
The ultimate aim of Epaphras's prayer is for the Colossians to 'stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.' This points to a deeply rooted, unwavering faith.
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Standing Firm:
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.
Epaphras, deeply connected to the Colossian believers, is presented as a fervent intercessor, highlighting the critical role of prayer in spiritual formation and defense against theological error, especially during times of apostolic instruction.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest, where he has relative freedom to receive visitors and write letters. This period sees the composition of several epistles, including Colossians.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphras's Visit to Paul
Epaphras, a minister from the Lycus Valley (Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis), visits Paul in Rome. He brings news of the churches in his region and likely shares concerns about theological challenges they are facing.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Dictates the Letter to the Colossians
While in Rome, Paul, with the assistance of Timothy and perhaps Epaphras, dictates the letter to the church at Colossae. The letter addresses specific theological issues and offers encouragement and instruction.
c. AD 62
Letter is Sent to Colossae
The letter to the Colossians is sent, carried by Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus. It arrives in the Lycus Valley, bringing Paul's apostolic authority and guidance to the believers there.
This passage directly parallels the intense, struggling nature of Epaphras's prayer ('striving') by speaking of contending with Paul in prayer. It highlights prayer as a serious spiritual effort.
1 Corinthians 1:8This verse speaks of Christ keeping believers firm until the end, which aligns with Epaphras's prayer for the Colossians to 'stand mature and fully assured.' It shows God's role in enabling this steadfastness.
Ephesians 6:18This passage emphasizes the importance of praying 'at all times in the Spirit' with all kinds of prayers, reflecting the constant and fervent nature of Epaphras's intercession described in Colossians 4:12.
1 John 4:17This verse describes believers having boldness in the day of judgment because they are 'as he is—so are we in this world,' which echoes the idea of being 'mature and fully assured' in God's will that Epaphras prayed for.
Colossians 1:9Paul's own prayer for the Colossians to be 'filled with the knowledge of his will' provides a theological backdrop to Epaphras's prayer, showing that understanding and aligning with God's will is a key aspect of spiritual maturity.
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…
Epaphras wasn't just praying for the Colossians to be "okay"; he was "agonizing" in prayer for them to stand firm, not just in some of God's will, but in every single aspect of it. This intense, wrestling prayer reveals a deep concern for their complete assurance and unwavering adherence to God's complete plan.
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossian church. Following personal notes about other fellow workers like Aristarchus and Mark, Paul introduces Epaphras, highlighting his deep connection to the church and his constant intercessory prayer for them. The passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and assurance in God's will, a theme that runs throughout the letter as Paul combats false teachings.
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossian church. Following personal notes about other fellow workers like Aristarchus and Mark, Paul introduces Epaphras, highlighting his deep connection to the church and his constant intercessory prayer for them. The passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and assurance in God's will, a theme that runs throughout the letter as Paul combats false teachings.
"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. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you…" — Epaphras wasn't just praying for the Colossians to be "okay"; he was "agonizing" in prayer for them to stand firm, not just in some of God's will, but in every single aspect of it. This intense,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
