Everyone Needs an Epaphras
Paul spent two years on house arrest in Rome while he awaited trial. During this time, he was chained to a Roman guard twenty-four hours a day. While he had some liberty to receive guests and write to the churches, his movement was restricted, forcing him to rely on others for support. His Roman citizenship gave him a daily food allowance, but he was dependent on others for all his other needs and to supplement the meager food supplies.
The Philippian Church
Paul never complained about his status as is evident in Philippians 4:11-13, but he was thankful for the love and support shown to him by believers when they sent gifts. Philippians 4:10 – 20 gives account of Paul’s expression of thanks to Philippian church for their expression of love shown through their financial support.
Paul’s Christian Brothers
In Colossians 4:7 – 18 Paul lists a group of men who served him through his time of imprisonment. These men carried letters back and forth to the churches. They supplied Paul’s needs in prison. They served in his stead and comforted him, and they prayed for him.
Epaphras
One verse stands out to me as I read Paul’s account of his helpers. It is Colossians 4:12.
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
Epaphras wasn’t some celebrity – he was one of the believers – but Epaphras was a prayer warrior. No matter what others were doing, Epaphras could be found praying. Not popcorn prayers sent up without thought. He labored fervently in prayer. Prayer was his task and his calling, and he was faithful to do it.
Epaphras’ prayers had a purpose. They did not meander over trivial matters. He didn’t just pray that God bless them or help them. He specifically prayed that the believers of Colosse would stand perfect – in an idolatrous culture that pulled them in every direction but toward God. He prayed that the believers would stand complete – realizing that they did not need to go back to a dead religion of works. Christ had completed their salvation on the cross. He prayed that they would be in the will of God – a lifestyle pleasing to God, abundant in Him.
Everyone Needs an Epaphras
Our world is no different than the world in which the Colossian Christians were living. We battle a culture that is against all that God is. We are tempted to rely on our own abilities and righteousness (of which we have none) rather than continually humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross where our true strength lies. We struggle to discern the voice of God amid the noise and distraction of world.
Prayer is our lifeline to the Father. We are commanded to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV), but we are also told to pray for one another (James 5:16).
An old gospel song goes like this.
I Need the Prayers of Those I Love
I need the prayers of those I love,
While trav’ling o’er life’s rugged way,
That I may true and faithful be,
And live for Jesus ev'ry day.
I want my friends to pray for me,
To bear my tempted soul above,
And intercede with God for me;
I need the prayers of those I love.
I need the prayers of those I love,
To help me in each trying hour,
To bear my tempted soul to Him,
That He may keep me by His pow’r.
I want my friends to pray for me,
To hold me up on wings of faith,
That I may walk the narrow way,
Kept by our Father’s glorious grace.
James D. Vaughn 1906
public domain
Epaphras learned the power of praying for others, and he remained faithful in praying.
Everyone, including me, needs an Epaphras in their corner.
Perhaps I can be an Epaphras for someone else.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:18, KJV)
Father, I’m afraid that I sometimes spend more time talking about praying that I do talking with You. I like to admire the problem rather than bring it to the One who can solve it. Help me to follow Epaphras’ example. Help me to faithfully lift my brothers and sisters up to You. Only You can give us the strength to defeat the forces that come against us in this world. Only You can help us to discern the good from the evil. You are so willing and so ready to hear. I come to You in Jesus’ name.
Think About It
· Is there someone that you need to be an Epaphras for today? Someone who needs you to stand in the gap with prayer for them?
· Are you in need of an Epaphras? Can I pray for you?
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