Epaphras: A Model of Faithful Ministry and Fervent Prayer - Mike Harris

My recent trip to Turkey and Greece in the company of three friends following ‘in the Footsteps of Paul’ lead to many wonderful experiences and insights into the ministry of the apostle Paul. We started in Turkey, in Istanbul to uncover its early Christian heritage as Constantinople before making our way to Izmir or Smyrna as it was known in the 1^st Century and one of the seven churches in Revelation. Moving eastwards, we made our way to the site of the ancient city of Colossae.

Colossae was a small city in the Roman province of Asia Minor, near Laodicea and Hierapolis in the Lycus River Valley. Once a thriving commercial centre due to its location on trade routes, its prominence had declined by the first century. The Christian church in Colossae was likely founded by Epaphras, a convert under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Col. 1:7-8), not by Paul directly.

The Colossian church was facing the influence of false teachings—a mix of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, mysticism, and asceticism—that threatened to undermine the sufficiency of Christ. Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned (very likely whilst in Rome, c. AD 60–62) to encourage and correct the believers.

Fast forward to 2025 and in April, I stood on the mound that covers the site of ancient Colossae, now simply a large grassed-over area of 22 acres and 30 meters in height and known as the Acropolis. I knew that under my feet lay the ancient ruins. Nothing was built on the site since an earthquake in the 4^th century finally destroyed the city and it was never rebuilt.

As I stood on the site, I experienced what I can only describe as an encounter with the lord. I felt the holy spirit connected me to the early Christians who had lived in this city beneath my feet. I saw clearly their commitment, their love and their struggle to maintain the gospel that their leader, Epaphras had taught them at Colossae and at the nearby churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis as mentioned in scripture. I identified with their struggle to maintain their faith against the odds and many competing voices. I could sense the encouragement they must have felt when Tychicus and Onesimus arrived with Paul’s letter (Colossians 4:7–9). I felt an overwhelming debt of gratitude that their standing firm in the faith, making it possible for the Gospel to be spread to ‘the ends of the earth’ over the following centuries.

I also realised that I was not only following in Paul’s footsteps but those of countless other Followers in the early church, despite the personal cost. A truly humbling experience.

So, in the rest of this talk I chose to look at Epaphras and what his service could teach us today from what can be gleaned from Paul’s writings

1. Epaphras was a Faithful Minister of Christ

"You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf..." — Colossians 1:7

Historical Insight:
Epaphras likely came to faith during Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) and became a key evangelist in the nearby region of the Lycus Valley. He brought the gospel to Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13)

Devotional Reflection:
Faithfulness does not always mean fame. Epaphras is not well known, but Paul calls him faithful. You don’t need a platform to be faithful—you need obedience. God calls each of us to minister right where we are. Like Epaphras, are you quietly and faithfully sharing the gospel in your circles?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me to be faithful in the place You've planted me, even if no one notices but You.

2. Epaphras was a Man of Deep Prayer

"He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God..." — Colossians 4:12

Historical Insight:
Paul uses a vivid term—wrestling (Greek: agonizomai)—to describe how Epaphras prayed. His prayers were not shallow wishes but spiritual struggles for the maturity of others.

Devotional Reflection:
Epaphras prayed not for comfort, but for spiritual strength—that believers would “stand firm in all the will of God.” What a model for intercession! Do we wrestle in prayer for the growth and perseverance of others, or are our prayers focused only on physical needs?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, teach me to wrestle in prayer for the spiritual life of others—family, friends, colleagues, church, especially for those who’ve drifted from You or are yet to know You.

3. Epaphras was a Church Planter and Pastor

"...he has worked hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis." — Colossians 4:13

Historical Insight:
Epaphras appears to have been a regional church leader, likely the founder or first pastor of the Colossian church. His work extended to neighbouring cities in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Devotional Reflection:
True spiritual leadership involves hard work, a ‘labour of love’—not for recognition, but for Christ’s love for people. Epaphras laboured to see others come to Christ and grow in Him. Whatever ministry you’re involved with and that covers a wide spectrum, Epaphras reminds you: ministry is work—but it’s holy work.

Prayer Prompt:
Strengthen me, Lord, for the labour of love You've called me to. Help me not to grow weary in doing good (Gal. 6:9).

4. Epaphras was a Willing Sufferer for the Gospel

"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus..." — Philemon 1:23

Historical Insight:
At some point, Epaphras  was imprisoned alongside Paul—perhaps for preaching or teaching the gospel. This shows the cost he was willing to bear.

Devotional Reflection:
Would I still follow Jesus if it cost me my freedom or comfort? Epaphras didn’t count the cost too great. He teaches us that faithfulness may lead to sacrifice—and that’s part of following Christ.

Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, help me to follow You no matter the cost. Remind me that You are worth it.

Conclusion: What Can We Learn from Epaphras?

‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong’ I Corinthians 16:13