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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 1:7 You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/1-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/51_Col_01_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 1:7 - Thanksgiving and Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/colossians/1-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/colossians/1-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/colossians/">Colossians</a> > <a href="/colossians/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/colossians/1-6.htm" title="Colossians 1:6">◄</a> Colossians 1:7 <a href="/colossians/1-8.htm" title="Colossians 1:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/1.htm">New International Version</a> You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/nlt/colossians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. <a href="/esv/colossians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf <a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> just as you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on behalf of us, <a href="/kjv/colossians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; <a href="/nkjv/colossians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, <a href="/nasb_/colossians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/nasb/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/nasb77/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/lsb/colossians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow slave, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/amp/colossians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You learned it from [our representative] Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf <a href="/csb/colossians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, <a href="/hcsb/colossians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow slave. He is a faithful servant of the Messiah on your behalf, <a href="/asv/colossians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/cev/colossians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> from our good friend Epaphras. He works together with us for Christ and is a faithful worker for you. <a href="/erv/colossians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/gwt/colossians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You learned about this Good News from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant. He is taking your place here as a trustworthy deacon for Christ <a href="/gnt/colossians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> You learned of God's grace from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is Christ's faithful worker on our behalf. <a href="/isv/colossians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> You learned about this gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of the Messiah on your behalf. <a href="/net/colossians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave--a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf-- <a href="/nheb/colossians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, <a href="/wbt/colossians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> As ye also learned from Epaphras our dear fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; <a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> as you learned it from Epaphras our dearly-loved fellow servant. He is to you a faithful minister of Christ in our stead,<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/colossians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You also learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, <a href="/web/colossians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> even as you learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> as you also learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful servant of the Christ for you, <a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> just as you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on behalf of us, <a href="/ylt/colossians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> as ye also learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful ministrant of the Christ, <a href="/slt/colossians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> As also ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful servant of Christ for you;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> As you learned of Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus; <a href="/cpdv/colossians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> just as you learned it from Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus. <a href="/nabre/colossians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Just as you have learned it from Ep’a-phras our beloved fellow-servant, who is for your sakes a faithful minister of Christ: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> According to what you learned from Epaphra our beloved companion, who is a trustworthy Minister for you of The Messiah.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> as you learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ for you, <a href="/godbey/colossians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf, <a href="/haweis/colossians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> even as ye have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-labourer, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you; <a href="/mace/colossians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> which you heard was offer'd to you, by the instructions of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is to you a faithful minister of Christ: <a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> as you learned it from Epaphras our dearly-loved fellow servant. He is to you a faithful minister of Christ in our stead, <a href="/worrell/colossians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ, <a href="/worsley/colossians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> As ye also learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you; <a href="/parallel/colossians/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=55" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Thanksgiving and Prayer</a> …6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God. 7<a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that."></a> <a href="/greek/3129.htm" title="3129: emathete (V-AIA-2P) -- Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.">You learned it</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/1889.htm" title="1889: Epaphra (N-GMS) -- Contracted from Epaphroditos; Epaphras, a Christian.">Epaphras,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētou (Adj-GMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/4889.htm" title="4889: syndoulou (N-GMS) -- From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master.">fellow servant,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4103.htm" title="4103: pistos (Adj-NMS) -- Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.">a faithful</a> <a href="/greek/1249.htm" title="1249: diakonos (N-NMS) -- Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.">minister</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">on our</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">behalf,</a> 8and who also informed us of your love in the Spirit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Philemon 1:23</a> Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12-13</a> Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. / For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21-22</a> Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. <a href="/acts/19-10.htm">Acts 19:10</a> This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord. <a href="/2_timothy/4-12.htm">2 Timothy 4:12</a> Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus. <a href="/acts/20-4.htm">Acts 20:4</a> Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a> The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25</a> But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">2 Corinthians 8:23</a> As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. <a href="/romans/16-21.htm">Romans 16:21</a> Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen. <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-26</a> Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. / He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. / And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:2</a> We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-19.htm">2 Corinthians 1:19</a> For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a> Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. <a href="/acts/11-22.htm">Acts 11:22-24</a> When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;Epaphras.<a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a> 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.<a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Philemon 1:23</a> There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;our.<a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Philippians 2:19-22,25</a> But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state… a.<a href="/numbers/12-7.htm">Numbers 12:7</a> My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.<a href="/matthew/24-45.htm">Matthew 24:45</a> Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?<a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a> His 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Epaphras</a> <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Ep'aphras</a> <a href="/colossians/1-2.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Fellow-Bondman</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Fellowservant</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Fellow-Servant</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Learned</a> <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ministrant</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Well-Loved</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Epaphras</a> <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Ep'aphras</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Fellow-Bondman</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Fellowservant</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Fellow-Servant</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">Learned</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Ministrant</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Well-Loved</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 1</div>1. <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;</a> 7. <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;</a> 9. <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">prays further for their increase in grace;</a> 14. <a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">describes the supremacy of Christ;</a> 21. <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You learned it from Epaphras Epaphras is identified as the one who taught the Colossians the gospel. He is mentioned in other parts of the New Testament, specifically in <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a> and <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Philemon 1:23</a>, indicating his close association with Paul and his role as a leader in the early church. Epaphras likely founded the church in Colossae, as Paul had not visited the city himself. This highlights the importance of local leaders in spreading the gospel and establishing churches in the early Christian era. The mention of learning from Epaphras underscores the transmission of apostolic teaching through trusted individuals.our beloved fellow servant The term "beloved" indicates a deep affection and respect Paul and his companions had for Epaphras. "Fellow servant" suggests a shared mission and equality in service to Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of leadership as servanthood, aligning with Jesus' teachings in <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a> about being a servant to all. The use of "fellow servant" also emphasizes the communal and cooperative nature of early Christian ministry, where leaders worked together for the advancement of the gospel.who is a faithful minister of Christ Epaphras is described as "faithful," highlighting his reliability and dedication to his ministry. Being a "minister of Christ" indicates that his service is directly connected to Christ's mission and authority. This phrase underscores the importance of faithfulness in ministry, a theme echoed in <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">1 Corinthians 4:2</a>, where Paul states that it is required of stewards to be found faithful. The role of a minister is not just to lead but to faithfully represent Christ and His teachings.on our behalf This phrase suggests that Epaphras was acting as a representative or delegate of Paul and his companions. It indicates a level of trust and authority given to Epaphras to minister in Colossae. This delegation reflects the apostolic strategy of empowering local leaders to carry on the work of the gospel, as seen in other instances such as Timothy in Ephesus (<a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">1 Timothy 1:3</a>) and Titus in Crete (<a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5</a>). It also highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and their reliance on trusted individuals to maintain doctrinal integrity and community cohesion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/epaphras.htm">Epaphras</a> A key figure in the early church, Epaphras is described as a beloved fellow servant and a faithful minister of Christ. He played a significant role in the establishment and nurturing of the Colossian church. 2. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> An ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Colossae was the location of the church to which Paul wrote this letter. It was a place where early Christians were taught the gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Colossians. He acknowledges Epaphras as a fellow worker in the ministry of the gospel. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_colossian_church.htm">The Colossian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community was taught the gospel by Epaphras and was being encouraged by Paul to remain steadfast in their faith. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a> The message of Jesus Christ, which Epaphras faithfully taught to the Colossians, forming the foundation of their faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faithful_ministry.htm">Faithful Ministry</a> Epaphras is a model of faithfulness in ministry. His example encourages us to be diligent and committed in our service to Christ and His church. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_teaching.htm">The Role of Teaching</a> The Colossians learned the gospel through Epaphras. This underscores the importance of sound teaching and the responsibility of those who teach to convey the truth accurately. <a href="/topical/p/partnership_in_the_gospel.htm">Partnership in the Gospel</a> Paul’s reference to Epaphras as a "fellow servant" highlights the collaborative nature of ministry. We are called to work together in spreading the gospel. <a href="/topical/p/prayerful_support.htm">Prayerful Support</a> As seen in <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a>, Epaphras’s commitment to prayer for the Colossians is a reminder of the power and necessity of intercessory prayer in supporting fellow believers. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a> Epaphras’s impact on the Colossian church shows how one person’s faithful ministry can leave a lasting legacy. We are encouraged to consider the legacy we are building through our own faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 1</a> <a href="/q/what_was_colossae_church's_role.htm">What was the Church at Colossae's significance?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_epaphras_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Epaphras in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'kingdom_of_god'_beyond_food.htm">What is the role of ministers as a flame?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_being_hidden_with_christ.htm">What was the Church at Colossae's significance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Ye also learned of Epaphras.--Of Epaphras we know nothing, except what we gather from this passage, and from <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm" title=" Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.">Colossians 4:12</a>; <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm" title="There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;">Philemon 1:23</a>. The name is a shortened form of Epaphroditus, but it is most unlikely that he is the same as the Epaphroditus of <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm" title="Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.">Philippians 2:25</a>; <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm" title="But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.">Philippians 4:18</a>. Being, it seems, a native of Colossae itself, he was apparently its first evangelist, and is afterwards described as feeling some responsibility for it and its neighbouring cities, Laodicea and Hierapolis (<a href="/colossians/4-13.htm" title=" For I bear him record, that he has a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.">Colossians 4:13</a>). His work could not have been transient, for under him the Colossians are said not only to have "heard," but also to have "known" (come to know perfectly) "the grace of God." St. Paul here gives emphatic testimony to his faithfulness, and to his preaching to them "in truth." That he was, then or afterwards. Bishop of Colossae is probably a mere guess of tradition. But he may have had some such charge as that which was afterwards more formally committed to Timothy at Ephesus, and Titus in Crete. At this time, however, he remained with St. Paul (<a href="/context/colossians/4-12.htm" title=" Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.">Colossians 4:12-13</a>), and apparently shared his captivity, for he is called (in <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm" title="There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;">Philemon 1:23</a>) his "fellow-prisoner." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - As ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant; literally, bondman (<a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">Ephesians 4:20</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14</a>). Only in <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Colossians 4:7</a> does the epithet "fellow-bondman" appear again in St. Paul (the Revisers in these two places omit their marginal "bondservant"). The dominant thought of Christ Jesus "the Lord" (<a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-4:1</a>) possibly dictates this expression. That the Colossians had received the gospel in this way from Epaphras, a disciple of St. Paul, was a striking proof of its fruitfulness, and a further cause for thanksgiving on his own part. Who is a faithful minister of Christ on our (or, your) behalf (<a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12, 13</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">2 Corinthians 8:22</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Philippians 2:22</a>). He puts his seal upon the ministry of Epaphras, and vindicates it against all questioning at home. Textual evidence for "on our" or "your behalf" is pretty evenly balanced: most older Greek copies read the first person, while the ancient versions generally adopted the second; and the critical editors are similarly divided. The Revisers, with Tregelles, Alford, Lightfoot, Westcott and Hort, prefer "our," which gives a finer and more fitting sense. It was as St. Paul's representative that Epaphras had ministered in Colossae, and to him he now reported his success; and this justified the apostle in claiming the Colossians as his own charge, and in writing to them in the terms of this letter (<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1, 2, 5-7</a>: comp. <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-13.htm">2 Corinthians 10:13-16</a>). "Minister" (διάκονος, deacon, in its official sense found in St. Paul first in <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>, then in 1 Timothy) is to be distinguished from the "servant" (δοῦλος, slave) of the last clause, and from "assistant" (ὑπηρέτης: <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1</a>; <a href="/acts/13-5.htm">Acts 13:5</a>; <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16</a>), and "attendant" (θεράπων: <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Hebrews 3:5</a>); see Trench's 'Synonyms of the New Testament.' It is a favourite word of St. Paul's, and points to the service rendered, while other terms indicate the status of the servant. <a href="/commentaries/colossians/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You learned [it] ἐμάθετε (emathete) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Epaphras, Ἐπαφρᾶ (Epaphra) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1889.htm">Strong's 1889: </a> Contracted from Epaphroditos; Epaphras, a Christian. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητοῦ (agapētou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. fellow servant, συνδούλου (syndoulou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4889.htm">Strong's 4889: </a> From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master. who ὅς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a faithful πιστὸς (pistos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. minister διάκονος (diakonos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. on our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. behalf, ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 1:7 Even as you learned of Epaphras our (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 1:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>