Paul had many friends who he often thanked for their service knowing that ministry was not a one-man show. You will often find these individuals in the closing of his letters. One of those was Epaphras who was called a “faithful servant of Christ” (Colossians 1:7), but was also known as one who labored hard in prayer. We often think of hard labor in physical things, but in Colossians 4:12 Paul indicates that prayer can be hard work, too.
The church in Colossae was in modern-day Turkey about 100 miles from Ephesus. One of the reasons that Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians was due to the false teaching that was influencing the church. One area of particular concern was the deity of Jesus. As a result, it is no wonder that Paul was thankful for Epaphras who labored in prayer for the church. The word labored (agōnizomai) means to struggle or contend as you would in a sporting event.
“Epaphras grasped, what many of us are slow to realize, that the tactics of the Christian battle are born of the strategy of prayer.”[1]
What was the actual content of his prayer? Epaphras prayed that the Colossians would mature in their faith as they grew in the will of God. His great love and concern for them is seen in his desire that they would be perfect (teleios) which gives the picture of completeness. This completeness is found in their relationship with Christ.[2]
“To be mature the Colossian saints needed to take their stand on Christ and realize their completeness in Him.”[3]
Paul was thankful for Epaphras who labored hard in prayer for the church. We too should pray for others that they grow in their relationship with Christ. By doing so, we reflect our great love and concern for them just like Epaphras.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven