Epaphras: teacher and intercessor for the Lycus communities
Colossians names Epaphras as the person from whom the recipients learned the gospel and as a faithful minister of Christ. It later describes his strenuous prayer for them and his concern for Laodicea and Hierapolis. Philemon calls an Epaphras a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus. These notices reveal work beyond the travels narrated in Acts.
Scripture
- Colossians 1:5-8 — The recipients learned from Epaphras, who reported their love.
- Colossians 4:12-13 — His prayer and labor extend to the three neighboring communities.
- Philemon 23 — Epaphras is named as a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus.