Paul - “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.” (Colossians 1:7)
Who are some people who have helped you come to know the Lord and grow in your relationship with Him? Whoever they are, they are to you what Epaphras was to the Christians in Colossae. Epaphras was converted through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19-20), a large city about 100 miles from Colossae. He brought the “good news of the Gospel” to people in Colossae. We don't know whether or not he was a person with popularity, prestige or possessions. But we do know his name is still known 2000 years later because of what he did to help people in Colossae know and follow Jesus.
Everyone who has become a strong follower of Jesus has been helped in their journey by 1, 2, or 3 Epaphras’ in their lives. Almost all of us have had people who have prayed for us, encouraged us, shared their faith with us, discipled us, mentored us, ministered alongside us, etc., who have been used by God to impact our lives. And Christians who haven’t had that kind of support and help in their lives are often the people who still struggle with defeat and discouragement.
Paul described Epaphras as Christ’s “faithful servant.” Several Greek words are translated into the English word “servant.” “Diakonos” refers to someone who ministers to others. A “therapon” was an attendant. An “oiketes” was a house servant. A “misthios” was a hired servant, like a contract laborer. But “doulos” is the word used to describe Epaphras. If refers to someone who is a bondslave to someone else, to someone who is completely sold out to serving his/her master. And God primarily works through people, as He did with Epaphras when they are completely sold out to living for Him and serving Him by serving others. The question is, “Are you and I willing to be ‘bondslaves to Jesus’ like Epaphras was so we can be used by God to help others?”
Prayer - Lord, I thank You for the “Epaphras’” You’ve brought into my life. Show me how to be a better “bondslave” to You and “Epaphras” to people around me.
Reflection - Who are some of the people who have helped me come to know the Lord and grow in my faith, and should I thank them? What steps do I need to take to be a better “Epaphras” to others in the days ahead?
