Colossians 1:7 kjv
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Colossians 1:7 nkjv
as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Colossians 1:7 niv
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
Colossians 1:7 esv
just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
Colossians 1:7 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.
Colossians 1 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Col 1:5-6 | ...the word of the truth, the gospel... bearing fruit and increasing in the whole world... | The Gospel brings forth fruit. |
| Col 1:8 | ...who also has made known to us your love in the Spirit. | Epaphras informed Paul about them. |
| Col 4:12-13 | Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you... always struggling on your behalf in his prayers... for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. | Epaphras's origins, intercessory prayer, wider ministry. |
| Phil 2:25 | I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier... | Similar commendation for a fellow worker. |
| Philem 1:23 | Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you... | Epaphras shared Paul's suffering. |
| 1 Cor 4:1 | This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. | Apostles/ministers are servants and stewards. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. | Faithfulness is crucial for ministers. |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | ...what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | Entrusting truth to faithful teachers. |
| Titus 1:7-9 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach... hold firmly to the trustworthy message. | Qualifications of a minister, trustworthiness. |
| Rom 15:15-16 | ...a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles... | Paul's own identity as a minister. |
| 1 Thess 1:5 | ...our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit... | Gospel's effectiveness affirmed by God's power. |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry... | Diverse roles in ministry for the church's growth. |
| John 13:16 | Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master... | Servanthood mirrors Christ's example. |
| Matt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little...’ | Commendation for faithfulness in service. |
| Gal 1:8-9 | But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. | Warning against false gospels and teachers. |
| Col 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition... | Direct polemic against false teachings, contrasting with true gospel. |
| Jer 23:30-32 | Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets who steal my words... who make my people err by their lies. | OT emphasis on faithfulness in delivering God's word. |
| Heb 3:5 | Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later... | Example of Moses' faithfulness. |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. | All believers are called to be faithful stewards. |
| 2 Cor 1:24 | Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. | Ministerial role as co-workers, not lords. |
| 1 Tim 4:6 | If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith. | Good servant of Christ through sound teaching. |
Colossians 1 verses
Colossians 1 7 Meaning
Colossians 1:7 emphasizes the credibility and foundational role of Epaphras in the Colossians' reception of the true Gospel. It establishes him as a beloved, shared companion in service to Christ, particularly highlighted as a reliable and devoted minister who labored faithfully for their spiritual well-being. This verse implicitly validates the teaching the Colossians had received, affirming its divine origin and the integrity of the messenger who delivered it to them.
Colossians 1 7 Context
Colossians 1:7 is situated within Paul's thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossian believers, specifically commending their faith, love, and hope, which sprung from "the word of the truth, the gospel" (Col 1:5). This verse acts as a vital link, identifying Epaphras as the messenger who brought this life-changing Gospel to them. Historically, Epaphras was likely the evangelist who founded the church in Colossae, and potentially those in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 4:13). He served as their pastoral figure and was the one who conveyed the news of the Colossians' spiritual state to Paul while the apostle was imprisoned. The context also hints at emerging heretical teachings in Colossae, which blend elements of philosophy, legalism, angel worship, and asceticism (proto-Gnosticism). Paul's affirmation of Epaphras's faithfulness directly counteracts these emerging errors by solidifying the legitimacy of the Gospel they first received through him.
Colossians 1 7 Word analysis
- as you also learned from: The phrase καθὼς καὶ ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ (kathōs kai emathete apo) indicates that the Colossians' spiritual state and their understanding of the Gospel were directly derived from Epaphras's teaching. The word emathete (ἐμάθετε), from manthanō, means "to learn, to understand," implying an active reception of instruction and a formation of their faith. This underscores the instrumental role of the human messenger in transmitting divine truth.
- Epaphras (Ἐπαφρᾶς): A personal name, likely a shortened form of Epaphroditos. He was not one of the twelve apostles but was a native of Colossae (Col 4:12). He founded the churches in the Lycus Valley (Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis). His personal connection and ministry in these communities lend significant weight to Paul's commendation, affirming the integrity of their spiritual origins. His name, associated with Aphrodite, might have pagan roots, making his conversion and dedication to Christ more remarkable.
- our dear fellow servant: The Greek τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ ἡμῶν συνδούλου (tou agapētou hēmōn syndoulou).
- dear (ἀγαπητοῦ - agapētou): Denotes deep, sacrificial, brotherly love. It signifies Paul's genuine affection for Epaphras and elevates his standing within the Christian community, particularly shared with Paul and Timothy. It is the highest form of love (agape), indicative of spiritual bond and respect.
- fellow servant (συνδούλου - syndoulou): This compound word syn-doulos emphasizes shared service ("syn-" meaning "with," and doulos meaning "bondservant, slave"). It highlights equality in service and humility before the ultimate Master, Christ. It means they share the same master, responsibilities, and status as bond-slaves to Christ. This challenges any hierarchical pretensions and affirms mutual humility. It also means Epaphras is doing the same work as Paul, demonstrating the universal call to Christ's service.
- who is a faithful (ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς - hos estin pistos): The Greek pistos means "trustworthy," "reliable," "loyal," "true." This is a critical descriptor for anyone in ministry. In light of the impending challenges from false teachers in Colossae, Epaphras's faithfulness is presented as a strong assurance of the truth and authenticity of the Gospel message he delivered. It speaks to his character, integrity, and adherence to biblical truth. His reliability serves as a benchmark for discerning true doctrine from error.
- minister (διάκονος - diakonos): Refers to a "servant" or "one who ministers." While it can later become a technical term for a church office (deacon), here it more broadly signifies one who performs service, an agent, an attendant, or one who acts on behalf of another. It emphasizes humble service and action rather than status or authority. It contrasts sharply with self-appointed teachers or those who "lord over" others, portraying Epaphras as one devoted to serving God's people.
- of Christ on our behalf / for your sake (τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν - tou Christou hyper hymōn):
- of Christ: Signifies that his ministry is sourced from Christ, commissioned by Christ, and directed toward Christ's glory. His authority stems directly from Jesus.
- on our behalf / for your sake (ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν - hyper hymōn): Some ancient manuscripts have "on our behalf" (hyper hēmōn), others "on your behalf" (hyper hymōn). The most widely accepted text, supported by critical editions, is "on our behalf" (Paul's). This indicates that Epaphras served Paul and his missionary endeavors by establishing and nurturing the Colossian church. However, contextually and logically, Epaphras’s primary service was for the Colossians’ benefit. Many translations reflect "on your behalf" to convey this benefit, aligning with Epaphras's known ministry and prayer for them. Regardless, the core meaning is his devoted service in Christ for the church. It speaks to a sacrificial, other-focused service.
Colossians 1 7 Bonus section
Epaphras's identity as a local Colossian (Col 4:12) likely made him an even more effective and trusted messenger to his own people. His earnest prayer life for the Colossian believers (Col 4:12) further illustrates the depth of his pastoral care and aligns with his description as a faithful minister who labored "for their sake." His status as "fellow prisoner" with Paul (Philem 1:23) underscores his unwavering commitment and shared suffering for the sake of the Gospel. This verse not only confirms the validity of the Colossians' faith but also provides an example of true servanthood and loyalty in ministry, which stands in contrast to any self-seeking or misleading motivations of false teachers. He was the vital link connecting the fledgling churches in the Lycus Valley to the broader apostolic tradition.
Colossians 1 7 Commentary
Colossians 1:7 functions as Paul's authoritative endorsement of Epaphras, the instrumental figure who introduced the Gospel to the Colossians. This verse serves several key purposes. First, it validates the Colossians' faith, grounding it in the authentic Gospel delivered by a trustworthy individual. Second, by calling Epaphras "dear fellow servant" and "faithful minister," Paul strengthens Epaphras's credibility, especially vital as the Colossians faced deceptive teachings that threatened to undermine the simplicity of Christ. Epaphras's faithfulness implies an adherence to the truth received, serving as a silent polemic against those who deviated. Third, Epaphras's ministry "of Christ" signifies divine commission, assuring the Colossians that their faith's origin is legitimate and empowered by the Head of the church. This verse assures the believers that their spiritual foundations are sound, built on reliable teaching from a genuine servant, distinguishing him from those who would preach a "different gospel."