Epaphras

Read

Colossians 4:12-13 “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”

Think

We rarely see the name Epaphras in the top 100 biblical boy baby names. Though we know Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Epaphras is likely unfamiliar unless you've read Colossians. Yet Epaphras is a hero, a superhero of the Christian faith.

He shows us the simple but challenging rhythm of praying for others. Epaphras was a prayer warrior, fighting for the church. His prayers showed determination to overcome all obstacles and refusal to give up, however hard, painful, or inconvenient life can be. As Paul said, Epaphras "always struggled" for them in prayer. No casual or halfhearted requests. He labored in prayer, persevering through distractions. His focus was their spiritual maturity, discernment, and satisfaction in Jesus. Paul put it this way: Epaphras "always" prayed "that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."

Epaphras didn't see prayer as a last resort, but as an attack. He knew prayer takes work but builds spiritual strength to advance the gospel. Let’s reclaim this sacred rhythm.

Apply

Today, make a decision to persistently pray for a friend. Pray that your friend “stands firm in the will of God” and that they grow spiritually.

Pray

Lore, give me the determination and resolve to make prayer a priority. Make it a passion in my life. May I experience your presence and your power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.