Colossians 1:7
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
**Colossians 1:7**
“As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ” introduces Epaphras as the faithful agent through whom Colossians received the gospel. Epaphras was likely the church planter who brought news to Paul about the church and perhaps suffered for the faith along with them. Describing Epaphras as “dear” and a “fellowservant” emphasizes humility and teamwork in ministry. Epaphras’ role as a “faithful minister” showcases a model of gospel-centered service: reliable, steady, and oriented toward Christ’s mission. The verse reinforces the idea that church growth and doctrinal integrity come through faithful mediators who embody the gospel in everyday life.
This verse highlights the vocation of ministry as a calling to faithful service, not personal prestige. It also emphasizes the continuity between the Colossian church and Paul’s apostolic circle, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the early Christian movement. Epaphras’s faithfulness embodies the idea that ordinary believers play indispensable roles in spreading the gospel and sustaining churches.
Reflect on the Epaphras model: a faithful servant who works behind the scenes to build up others. In your context, identify someone who is quietly doing good work for the church or community. Consider how you can support them—prayer, encouragement, or volunteering alongside them. If you’re in leadership, cultivate a culture that honors faithful, unseen service rather than only visible leadership. If you’re new to a local church, ask how you can contribute as a faithful minister in your own right, recognizing that every believer participates in God’s mission.
Cross-References: Acts 16:1-3; 1 Corinthians 16:15-18; Romans 16:3-4; Philippians 2:25-30; Colossians 4:12-13