Colossians 1:7 (ESV) – just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf

Can you name teachers you had in grade school, middle school, or high school? I bet you can. In fact, you can probably name a few that truly made an impact on you or taught you something. Maybe it isn’t school, but Sunday School teachers or pastors. What person has helped you with growth and maturity as a person? Who has instructed you in the faith? These people are gifts from God. The Lord puts people in our lives to help us. This is His good plan.

We see this in our text today. Paul writes to the believers in Colossae. They are new believers who previously did not know Christ or the gospel. But they were taught about Jesus. They were instructed in how to live the Christian life. We read, “just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf….”

The believers in Colossae learned about the gospel from Epaphras. He was a believer who came to faith and now helped to teach others. Paul calls him a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. He is a fellow servant with Paul and the other early leaders in the church. Epaphras didn’t have any fancy titles that we know about, but he did do the work of discipling others. The church received the Word from him and grew in their knowledge of the Lord. They lived out the gospel because Epaphras taught them the Way. 

God uses everyday people for His kingdom. He can use you wherever you are to help others. It doesn’t matter your age, experience, or education. Those eager and willing to be used of God will find opportunities to do so.

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Each of us should strive to be considered “a beloved servant” as Epaphras was to the Colossians. Each of us should desire to be an Epaphras in our lives to those God puts in our circles of influence. May we each walk worthy of our calling. May God use us to teach others about His grace and love.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is it important to see Paul mention Epaphras in this passage?
- What role does each member of the church have in helping other people grow in their faith?
- How does this passage challenge you to consider how you can be an Epaphras to others?