I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Summary: This passage invites us to indulge in the heart of meditation: Imagining what is possible.
This passage is a bit of a puzzle.
Paul is vouching for Epaphras’s work. Unfortunately, all we know for certain is that he is “working hard” and that the work is “for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”
What could he be doing?
Let’s indulge in a bit of guesswork.
We know that Epaphras was a Colossian and a “faithful minister in Christ.” We also know that Paul considered him a faithful minister … “on our behalf” (Colossians 1:7).
Our initial assumption was that Paul had sent Epaphras to Colossae to share the Gospel there, and this still could be true. Laodicea and Hierapolis are both close to Colossae (within a day’s walk). It is possible that Epaphras extended his mission work to both places, starting those churches as well.
Now, this is where we have to exercise our imaginations.
What if those three churches decided to send Epaphras out as a missionary? Specifically, they wanted him to help Paul in his ministry.
If that is the case, then Paul’s statement in our passage makes perfect sense. Epaphras is on a mission.
One of the things we learned about Epaphras in verse twelve is that he is “always wrestling in prayer.”
As a person who is from Colossae, this also makes sense. His heart is with those at home. As a missionary, he has seen firsthand what Paul is up against. He has seen his physical battles and his spiritual ones. He is concerned for his friends and family, the believers he left behind.
Together, both verses remind us that we are at war. Epaphras knows the “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12) are everywhere. He understands what is at stake.
Our information about Epaphras might be sketchy, but the facts portray a man devoted to the Lord and passionate about the Gospel. The pieces of this sketched puzzle come together in a portrait of faith in action.
Application: Follow Epaphras’s example in prayer.
Food for Thought: What other kinds of work might Epaphras have been doing?
What other kinds of work might Epaphras have been doing?
Serving God is a way of life with many different forms of ministry. God has not preserved the specifics of the ministry of Epaphras. I would suggest he served God as he remained alert to every opportunity presented by God and spent his life giving the needs of others priority over his own.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Thanks, Ron!
Wise words!! Great verses!! 🙂
I think that all we know for sure is that he is working for the Lord in whatever he is doing. He is a faithful minister of the gospel. He sets a good example for us.
1 Corinthians 15: 58: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Thank you, Rich!
True! His faithfulness is an excellent example for us.
I think it is interesting that Paul specifically states that Epaphras is working hard for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Looking in the Bible specifically at the Church in Laodicea, it is spoken about in Revelation as one of the seven churches.
Revelation 3:15-17 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the reference to “lukewarm water” would be something that the Church there would understand, as that city had to have its water piped in.
I get the impression that in Paul’s ministry, there were brothers in Christ that were given areas of “responsibility” much like a Pastor has a Youth Director or Worship Director.
So, I think Epaphras was way more involved in the spiritual maturity of those at Laodicea and Hierapolis than sending greetings and delivering letters. I think when Paul says Epaphras was “working hard” Paul meant that Epaphras was actively trying to change the mindset of that Church toward submission to Christ and forsake the “self-sufficient attitude” that was prevalent in that region.
Chris,
Your surmise is reasonable and very interesting. It is interesting that there are three separate cities he is involved in and concerned about.
Thank you!