Meaning of the Name Epaphras
Epaphras is widely thought to be a shortened form of a longer Greek name such as Epaphroditus. If that connection is correct, it belongs to the Greco-Roman naming pattern associated with Aphrodite. Even so, the exact formal development is not certain, so the etymology remains somewhat debated in detail.
Origin
The name Epaphras is of Greek origin.
Who is Epaphras in the Bible?
Epaphras stands out in Colossians as the faithful minister through whom the community learned the gospel and as a laborer in prayer. In Philemon he is also mentioned as a brother who is imprisoned with Paul.
The story of Epaphras in the Bible
Epaphras appears in only a handful of New Testament verses, yet those few lines paint a vivid portrait of a faithful servant. According to the letter to the Colossians, the church in Colossae first heard the gospel from him; Paul introduces him as a dear fellow servant and a trustworthy minister of Christ. Epaphras, himself from Colossae, did far more than teach. Paul writes that he wrestled constantly in prayer for the believers, pleading that they would stand firm, mature and fully assured in all the will of God, and notes that he also labored hard for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. In the short letter to Philemon he appears in a different situation, sending greetings as Paul's fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus. Epaphras is remembered as one of Scripture's quiet laborers, a man who carried his community through prayer, teaching, and steadfast loyalty.
Is Epaphras mentioned in the Quran?
The name Epaphras does not appear in the Quran; he is known only from the New Testament as the faithful servant who brought the gospel to Colossae and prayed tirelessly for the believers there.
Verses where Epaphras appears
- Colossians 1:7 —
even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
- Colossians 4:12 —
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
- Philemon 1:23 —
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,