Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The term "fellow prisoner" might not always mean a literal jail cell; it often signifies a shared experience of suffering or hardship for their faith in Christ, highlighting a deep spiritual solidarity. This phrase places Epaphras alongside Paul in the struggle, even if their circumstances differed, emphasizing their common mission and the risks involved.
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his letter, a deeply personal appeal about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Before signing off, he sends greetings from several companions, highlighting Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner." This detail suggests that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship or imprisonment for their shared faith in Christ.
Paul calls Epaphras his 'fellow-prisoner.' Was Epaphras literally chained up next to Paul, or is there more to this phrase?
When Paul calls Epaphras his 'fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus,' he's likely not just stating a fact about shared physical confinement. While some commentators suggest Epaphras may have indeed been imprisoned alongside Paul, possibly due to suspicion falling on his associates in Rome, the phrase 'in Christ Jesus' points to a deeper, spiritual reality.
This is similar to how Paul refers to himself and others as 'prisoners of Christ Jesus' (Ephesians 4:1) or 'prisoners of the gospel' (2 Timothy 2:9). It signifies a shared experience of suffering, hardship, and even confinement because of their unwavering commitment to Christ and His message.
So, whether Epaphras was physically bound or simply enduring hardships alongside Paul for the sake of the gospel, the term highlights a profound solidarity. It’s a bond forged in shared mission and mutual suffering for their faith, a spiritual partnership that transcends literal chains.
Epaphras is a key figure in Paul's letters, but who was he, and why does Paul mention him here?
Epaphras is a significant individual, known primarily for his close connection to the churches in the Lycus Valley, specifically Colossae (Colossians 1:7; 4:12). He's not just an acquaintance; he's deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of these believers.
In this verse, Paul calls him his 'fellow-prisoner,' as we've seen, but also implicitly his 'fellow-laborer' and a beloved brother. His inclusion in the salutations to Philemon highlights his importance and his close relationship with both Paul and the recipients of the letter.
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Epaphras’ presence here, possibly having traveled to be with Paul (or perhaps being imprisoned with him), underscores his dedication. He's a representative of the churches, a faithful minister, and a trusted companion, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the early Christian community and the importance of mutual support and greeting.
Understand the original words
aichmalōtos · Greek Noun
A term used to describe a person who shares in the captivity, persecution, or suffering associated with the work of the Gospel. It underscores the cost of discipleship and the unity of the body of Christ in trial.
The term 'fellow prisoner' likely reflects Epaphras's shared suffering and confinement with Paul in Rome, highlighting their deep solidarity in the gospel, even if the specific reasons for Epaphras's detention remain unclear.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extensive time in Ephesus, Paul likely encountered Epaphras, who, according to tradition and scholarly consensus, was from Colossae and played a significant role in establishing the church there. This period laid the groundwork for their later association.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome, likely for several years. During this time, he wrote several epistles, including the letter to Philemon and the Epistle to the Colossians.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Epaphras Imprisoned with Paul
While the exact nature of his imprisonment is debated (literal or spiritual), Epaphras was with Paul in Rome and likely shared in his confinement, whether as a fellow prisoner in chains or through shared hardship and suspicion under Roman authorities. This is the context for Paul calling him 'my fellow prisoner'.
c. AD 62
Paul Writes to Philemon
From his Roman prison, Paul penned this personal letter to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. He entrusted the letter to Onesimus, a runaway slave, whom he had ministered to during his imprisonment.
This passage also mentions Aristarchus as a fellow prisoner with Paul, highlighting that such shared suffering was a recognized aspect of Christian fellowship and service during that era.
Philippians 2:25While not referring to imprisonment, Epaphroditus is called a 'fellow worker and fellow soldier' by Paul, showing that shared struggles and dedication in ministry often earned such close, relational titles.
Romans 16:7This verse uses the same Greek term for 'fellow prisoner' to describe Andronicus and Junia, indicating that this designation could apply to those imprisoned for their faith, emphasizing their shared commitment and hardship with the apostles.
2 Timothy 4:10This passage notes that Demas, who also sends greetings in Philemon, later abandoned Paul out of love for the present world, providing a stark contrast to the steadfastness implied by being a 'fellow prisoner'.
vincentPhilemon 1:23: "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;"
Epaphras my fellow prisoner (Ἑπαφρᾶς ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου).Epaphras is mentioned Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12. Some identify him with Epaphroditus, but without sufficient reason. Epaphroditus appears to have been a native of Philippi (Philippians 2:25), and Epaphras of Colossae (Colossians 4:12). Epaphroditus is always used of the Philippian, and Epaphras of the Colossian. The names, however, are the same, Ep…
meyerPhilemon 1:23: "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;"
Philemon 1:23 f. Salutations from the same persons, Colossians 4:10-14 . ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου ] See on Colossians 4:10 . Here it further has expressly the specifically Christian character.[82] Comp. δέσμιος ἐν κυρίῳ , Ephesians 4:1 . The Jesus Justus mentioned at Colossians 4:11 does not here join in the greeting. The reason for this cannot be ascertained. It is possible that this man was absent just at the moment of…
The term "fellow prisoner" might not always mean a literal jail cell; it often signifies a shared experience of suffering or hardship for their faith in Christ, highlighting a deep spiritual solidarity. This phrase places Epaphras alongside Paul in the struggle, even if their circumstances differed, emphasizing their common mission and the risks involved.
Paul is concluding his letter, a deeply personal appeal about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Before signing off, he sends greetings from several companions, highlighting Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner." This detail suggests that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship or imprisonment for their shared faith in Christ.
Paul is concluding his letter, a deeply personal appeal about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Before signing off, he sends greetings from several companions, highlighting Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner." This detail suggests that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship or imprisonment for their shared faith in Christ.
"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you," — The term "fellow prisoner" might not always mean a literal jail cell; it often signifies a shared experience of suffering or hardship for their faith in Christ, highlighting a deep spiritual solidari…
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Last reviewed October 2026