Note 10 at Col. 1:7: Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament (this verse; Col. 4:12; and Phile. 23).

The word "fellowservant," as Paul describes Epaphras in this verse, is used 10 times in the New Testament (Mt. 18:28, 29, 31, 33; 24:49; Col. 1:7; 4:7; Rev. 6:11; 19:10; 22:9) and means "one who acknowledges the same Lord and serves the same Master with another" (Thayer). Paul connects Epaphras' ministry with his own by using this term.

Colossians 4:12 says Epaphras was "one of you," meaning that Epaphras was a Colossian. Putting this together with this verse which says Epaphras was "for you a faithful minister of Christ" implies that Epaphras was the one who brought the gospel to Colosse.

In Philemon 1:23 Paul calls Epaphras "my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus." It is not known if this is literal or if he is simply saying Epaphras is a fellow believer in Jesus.

Note 11 at Col. 1:7: Faithfulness is a prized characteristic that separates godly ministers from all the rest. Faithfulness carries the idea of being loyal, reliable, and having or being full of faith. Paul spoke of only a few of his associates as faithful, such as Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7), Epaphras (Col. 1:7), Onesimus (Col. 4:9), and Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17). Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and must be developed in our lives as we look unto Him.