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
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,
What does Colossians 1:7 mean?
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.
