Bible Strands
Colossians 1:7
You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Colossian church to identify the human source of their gospel message. He credits Epaphras as the one who taught them the grace of God that has been bearing fruit in their midst.
The words — The Greek term ἀγαπητοῦ (agapētou) means "beloved," and συνδούλου (sundoulou) translates to "fellow bond-servant." These descriptors establish Epaphras's relational standing and his role alongside Paul.
The thread — The same Epaphras appears in Colossians 4:12 as a servant of Christ who prays for the church and in Philemon 1:23 as Paul's fellow prisoner. The title "faithful minister" and "fellow servant" also parallels Paul's description of Tychicus in Colossians 4:7.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to trace spiritual instruction back to its faithful human conduit rather than treating revelation as abstract. It establishes accountability by naming the teacher who conveyed the gospel and reported the church's response.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Cross-references
- Colossians 4:12 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.
- Philemon 1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,
- Colossians 4:7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
- Hebrews 2:17 For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
- Hebrews 3:2 He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.
- Numbers 12:7 But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.
- Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.