Colossians 1:7
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Original Language Analysis
καί
also
G2532
καί
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνδούλου
fellowservant
G4889
συνδούλου
fellowservant
Strong's:
G4889
Word #:
8 of 17
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
13 of 17
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
διάκονος
minister
G1249
διάκονος
minister
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
15 of 17
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
Cross References
Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.Philemon 1:23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Colossians 4:7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:Hebrews 3:2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.1 Corinthians 4:2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.Matthew 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Historical Context
Epaphras traveled from Colossae to Rome to consult Paul about the emerging heresy, showing pastoral wisdom in seeking apostolic guidance. His report prompted this epistle. Later tradition identifies him as Colossae's first bishop, though Scripture doesn't explicitly state this. His willingness to travel hundreds of miles for theological clarity demonstrates how seriously early Christians took doctrinal purity.
Questions for Reflection
- Who has faithfully brought you the gospel, and how do you honor their ministry in your continued faithfulness?
- What makes a minister "faithful"—theological precision, personal character, sacrificial service, or all three?
- When facing doctrinal confusion, do you seek wise counsel from mature believers, or rely on personal opinion?
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Analysis & Commentary
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ. Epaphras appears as syndoulos (σύνδουλος, "fellow-slave"), emphasizing shared servanthood with Paul under one Master. The adjective agapētos (ἀγαπητός, "beloved") shows Paul's personal affection, while pistos diakonos (πιστὸς διάκονος, "faithful servant") commends his ministry.
Epaphras likely evangelized Colossae during Paul's Ephesian ministry when "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word" (Acts 19:10). Paul validates Epaphras's teaching as authentic gospel, establishing continuity between apostolic authority and local ministry. The phrase "for you" (hyper hymōn, ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν) indicates Epaphras served their interests, not building personal empire—a model for biblical ministry.