Colossians 1:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf

NIV: You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

NASB: just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

CSB: You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,

NLT: You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.

KJV: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

NKJV: as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,

Christianity took root in Colossae thanks to the work of Epaphras. It's possible he was the one who initially brought the gospel to the city. Just as in other cities, and as in our modern day, discipleship requires leadership. Simply telling others the gospel is not enough: for a church to grow, the people need the guidance of good leaders. Epaphras was a believer, perhaps from Colossae, who was with Paul at the time he wrote this particular letter (Colossians 4:12). He was likely also a prisoner for some period of time in Rome with Paul, since Philemon 1:23 calls him "my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus."

Paul notes two positive characteristics about Epaphras in this verse. First, Paul and the Colossian Christians love Epaphras for being a man known for serving the Lord. Second, Paul describes him as a man of faithful ministry. Based on these compliments, Epaphras serves as a wonderful example for those who seek to serve the Lord and share Him with others today.

Colossians 1:3–8 expresses Paul's gratitude for the growth of the Colossian church. As a result of Epaphras' efforts, the believers there are growing in their faith. In particular, Paul is hearing positive things about their Christian love. Paul also connects his gratitude to the growth of Christianity in other places around the world.

In chapter 1, Paul introduces himself, along with his co-author Timothy. As he often does, Paul gives thanks for what he hears about the faith of the believers in Colossae. Paul includes a prayer for their growth and spiritual strength. The letter then transitions to praise of Jesus, describing Him as absolutely supreme. All created things were made through, by, and for Him. And, since it was His sacrifice which saved us from sin, we can have confidence in our eternal destiny.

Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 5/2/2024 8:16:46 PM