Note 7 at Col. 4:12: Epaphras was a Colossian who was also a servant of Jesus Christ (see note 10 at Col. 1:7, p. 1185). He faithfully labored in prayer on behalf of the Colossians. The phrase "labouring fervently" comes from the Greek word AGONIZOMAI from which we get our English word "agonize." It is translated "strive" 3 times, "fight" 3 times, and "labour fervently" 1 time in the Authorized Version (KJV). AGONIZOMAI carries the idea of "contending with adversaries, and endeavoring with strenuous zeal" (Thayer). Epaphras' prayers were that the Colossians may mature, fully develop, and carry into effect all the will of God for their lives.