For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 4:13
What does Colossians 4:13 mean?
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Colossians 4:13
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The original text likely spoke of Epaphras's "great toil" or "earnest labor," not just "zeal." This highlights his deep, active engagement, involving significant mental and emotional effort, for the spiritual well-being of these communities, not just a passionate feeling.
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 comes right after Paul describes Epaphras as a tireless intercessor, locked in a spiritual struggle for the believers. Paul is essentially vouching for Epaphras's deep commitment, affirming that his earnest labor and passionate concern extend beyond just the Colossians to include the nearby churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
The original Greek word here points to a kind of intense, almost exhausting, effort. What does that kind of 'labor' look like in ministry today?
Paul uses a powerful word to describe Epaphras's dedication. While 'zeal' is a good translation, the underlying Greek word, 'ponos', actually carries a deeper sense of intense toil and hardship.
The Weight of Ministry
This wasn't a task Epaphras did lightly. It was a profound commitment that demanded his all.
Epaphras wasn't just looking after the Colossians. He had a wider responsibility. What does this tell us about the interconnectedness of early churches?
Paul specifically mentions Epaphras's care extended beyond Colossae to include the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. This reveals a beautiful picture of the early church's interconnectedness.
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A Wider Circle of Care
Epaphras's commitment wasn't just to his 'home church' but to the broader family of God in the region.
Epaphras's tireless work for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis occurred within a dynamic period of early Christian expansion and faced challenges like false teachings and natural disasters, underscoring the resilience and dedication required of church leaders.
c. AD 44
Council of Jerusalem
The apostles and elders met to decide on the issue of Gentile believers needing to follow Jewish law, a foundational moment for the early church's expansion.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia, which served as a hub for evangelizing the region, including the Lycus Valley.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
During his imprisonment, Paul wrote several letters, including Colossians, likely through his associates who were able to travel and minister.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Colossians
Paul, while imprisoned, writes to the church in Colossae, addressing theological challenges and commending the work of Epaphras in the Lycus Valley region.
c. AD 62
Destruction of Laodicea
A massive earthquake devastated Laodicea, a nearby city to Colossae, requiring significant rebuilding efforts. This event would have impacted the communities and their resources.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Colossians 4:13 by expressing Paul's fervent prayer to see the Thessalonians and complete what was lacking in their faith, highlighting a deep concern for their spiritual well-being.
Philippians 2:19-20Similar to Paul's testimony of Epaphras's hard work, this verse shows Paul's hope to send Timothy to the Philippians, highlighting Timothy's genuine concern and selfless spirit for their progress.
2 Corinthians 11:28This verse reveals the constant pressure and daily work that Paul endured for the sake of the churches, mirroring the 'great zeal' and 'hard work' mentioned for Epaphras in Colossians 4:13.
Romans 12:11This passage calls believers to be 'fervent in spirit,' serving the Lord, which aligns with the description of Epaphras's diligent labor and passion for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.
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 4:13: "For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis."
Colossians 4:13 . General testimony in confirmation of the particular statement made regarding Epaphras in πάντοτε κ . τ . λ .; on which account there is the less reason to ascribe to the interpolator the more precise definition of ἀγωνιζ . ὑπ . ὑμ ., which is given by ἐν ταῖς προσευχ . (Holtzmann). The γάρ is sufficiently clear and logical. πολὺν πόνον (see the cr…
The original text likely spoke of Epaphras's "great toil" or "earnest labor," not just "zeal." This highlights his deep, active engagement, involving significant mental and emotional effort, for the spiritual well-being of these communities, not just a passionate feeling.
This verse comes right after Paul describes Epaphras as a tireless intercessor, locked in a spiritual struggle for the believers. Paul is essentially vouching for Epaphras's deep commitment, affirming that his earnest labor and passionate concern extend beyond just the Colossians to include the nearby churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
This verse comes right after Paul describes Epaphras as a tireless intercessor, locked in a spiritual struggle for the believers. Paul is essentially vouching for Epaphras's deep commitment, affirming that his earnest labor and passionate concern extend beyond just the Colossians to include the nearby churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
"For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis." — The original text likely spoke of Epaphras's "great toil" or "earnest labor," not just "zeal." This highlights his deep, active engagement, involving significant mental and emotional effort, for the…
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Last reviewed October 2026