Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάζεται
saluteth
G782
ἀσπάζεται
saluteth
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 25
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
who is one of
G1537
ἐξ
who is one of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δοῦλος
a servant
G1401
δοῦλος
a servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
7 of 25
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἀγωνιζόμενος
labouring fervently
G75
ἀγωνιζόμενος
labouring fervently
Strong's:
G75
Word #:
10 of 25
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
11 of 25
"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
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχαῖς
prayers
G4335
προσευχαῖς
prayers
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
15 of 25
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
στῆτε
ye may stand
G2476
στῆτε
ye may stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
17 of 25
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
τέλειοι
perfect
G5046
τέλειοι
perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
18 of 25
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεπληρωμένοι
complete
G4137
πεπληρωμένοι
complete
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
20 of 25
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
θελήματι
the will
G2307
θελήματι
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
23 of 25
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
Cross References
Romans 15:30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Colossians 1:7As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:Philemon 1:23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;2 Peter 1:1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Historical Context
Epaphras apparently traveled from Colossae to Rome seeking Paul's guidance about emerging heresy threatening his church. Rather than abandoning them during crisis, he interceded fervently, demonstrating pastoral faithfulness. His prayer ministry from distance exemplifies how geographic separation need not mean spiritual disconnection. Faithful intercessors remain crucial to church health, though their ministry often receives less recognition than public teaching or leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- For whom do you 'labor fervently in prayer' with athletic intensity and perseverance?
- How does Epaphras's example challenge casual, sporadic prayer habits?
- What specifically should you pray for believers you care about—comfort, circumstances, or maturity in God's will?
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Analysis & Commentary
Epaphras, 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. Paul returns to Epaphras, Colossae's apparent founder (1:7). "Who is one of you" (ho ex hymōn, ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν) emphasizes his Colossian origin. "A servant of Christ" (doulos Christou Iēsou, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ) identifies him as Christ's slave, devoted exclusively to His service.
"Always labouring fervently for you in prayers" (pantote agōnizomenos hyper hymōn en tais proseuchais, πάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς) describes intense intercessory prayer. Agōnizomenos (ἀγωνιζόμενος, "agonizing") pictures athletic striving or military combat—Epaphras wrestled in prayer for Colossae. His goal: "that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (hina stathēte teleioi kai peplērophōrēmenoi en panti thelēmati tou theou, ἵνα σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ θεοῦ)—spiritual maturity and full assurance in God's will.