Colossians 4:12

KJV

Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Epaphras {G1889}, who is one of {G1537} you {G5216}, a servant {G1401} of Christ {G5547}, saluteth {G782} you {G5209}, always {G3842} labouring fervently {G75} for {G5228} you {G5216} in {G1722} prayers {G4335}, that {G2443} ye may stand {G2476} perfect {G5046} and {G2532} complete {G4137} in {G1722} all {G3956} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Epaphras sends greetings; he is one of you, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua who always agonizes in his prayer on your behalf, praying that you may stand firm, mature and fully confident, as you devote yourselves completely to God’s will.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 4:12 presents Epaphras, a faithful companion of Paul and a native of Colossae, as a profound example of intercessory prayer. He is depicted as a "servant of Christ" who tirelessly and intensely labors in prayer for the Colossian believers, with the specific aim that they might achieve spiritual maturity, completeness, and full alignment with the comprehensive will of God. This verse highlights the vital role of dedicated, earnest prayer in fostering the spiritual growth and steadfastness of the Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically among his personal greetings and commendations (Colossians 4:7-18). Having delivered profound theological truths concerning Christ's supremacy and the nature of the believer's new life in Him, Paul transitions to practical matters, including updates on his companions and their ministries. Epaphras is introduced as one of several individuals who are actively serving the churches, with his specific ministry of fervent prayer for the Colossians being highlighted. This personal touch reinforces the communal nature of the early church and the interconnectedness of its members, even across geographical distances, through shared faith and mutual intercession. The passage immediately preceding this verse details Paul's instructions for various groups within the church, emphasizing practical holiness, while the verses following continue with greetings and final exhortations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Colossae was a city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, known for its syncretistic religious environment, which likely contributed to the "Colossian heresy" Paul addresses throughout the letter. This heresy involved elements of Jewish legalism, Gnostic tendencies (emphasizing secret knowledge), and ascetic practices, all of which threatened to diminish the centrality and sufficiency of Christ. Epaphras, identified as "one of you" (a native of Colossae), was instrumental in establishing the church there, having faithfully served as Paul's "dear fellow servant" and "faithful minister of Christ" to them ([Colossians 1:7](/colossians/1-7 "Colossians 1:7 - Epaphras's Ministry")). His deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by the Colossian believers, stemming from his local roots and prior ministry, made his fervent prayers particularly pertinent and powerful. The cultural emphasis on communal identity and the importance of spiritual guides would have made Epaphras's role as a dedicated intercessor highly valued.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 4:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ**, which is a core concern for Paul in combating the Colossian heresy. Epaphras's prayer for the Colossians to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" directly addresses the need for believers to be fully established in their faith, not swayed by false teachings, and to fully embody the truth of Christ's sufficiency. This pursuit of spiritual wholeness is not a human achievement but a divine work, enabled by Christ, as Paul emphasizes throughout the letter, particularly in passages like [Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **power and necessity of intercessory prayer**. Epaphras's "labouring fervently" in prayer demonstrates that spiritual battles are fought not merely through teaching but through earnest supplication. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on prayer as a vital aspect of Christian living and ministry, urging believers to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" ([Colossians 4:2](/colossians/4-2 "Colossians 4:2 - Paul's Exhortation to Prayer")). Finally, Epaphras exemplifies **dedicated servanthood**, showcasing a life devoted to the spiritual welfare of others, modeling the self-giving love that is central to the Christian walk.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From *déō*, meaning "to bind." This term signifies a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. In the New Testament, it often denotes a bond-servant, one who willingly submits to the will of another. Here, Epaphras is a "servant of Christ," indicating his complete and willing devotion to Jesus, serving not out of compulsion but out of profound loyalty and love. This highlights a life wholly dedicated to the Lord's purposes.
* **labouring fervently (Greek, _agōnízomai'_):** From *agṓn*, meaning "a contest" or "struggle." This verb describes an intense struggle, like competing for a prize in an athletic contest, contending with an adversary, or striving to accomplish something. It conveys a sense of earnest, strenuous effort. When applied to prayer, it implies a deep, agonizing, and persistent engagement, not a casual or perfunctory act. Epaphras's prayers were not superficial but were a spiritual wrestling match on behalf of the Colossians.
* **perfect (Greek, _téleios'_):** From *télos*, meaning "end" or "goal." This adjective signifies completeness, maturity, or being brought to its intended end. It does not imply sinless perfection in this context but rather spiritual maturity, full growth, or being fully developed in one's faith and understanding. It suggests a state of being fully equipped and wanting nothing necessary for spiritual completeness. Coupled with "complete," it emphasizes a comprehensive spiritual wholeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you,"**: This introduces Epaphras, identifying him as a native of Colossae ("one of you") and establishing his spiritual identity as a "servant of Christ." His greeting (saluteth) conveys warmth and personal connection, setting the stage for his profound concern.
* **"always labouring fervently for you in prayers,"**: This clause reveals the core of Epaphras's ministry and character. The word "always" (G3842, *pántote*) indicates his consistent and persistent dedication. "Labouring fervently" (G75, *agōnízomai*) highlights the intense, wrestling, and agonizing nature of his intercession, demonstrating a deep spiritual burden and commitment to the Colossians. His prayers are not casual but are a strenuous spiritual effort made *for* them.
* **"that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."**: This specifies the profound purpose and goal of Epaphras's fervent prayers. "That" (G2443, *hína*) introduces the objective. He prays that they "may stand" (G2476, *hístēmi*), implying steadfastness, stability, and firm establishment. The desired state is to be "perfect" (G5046, *téleios*), meaning spiritually mature and fully developed, and "complete" (G4137, *plēróō*), meaning fully equipped, filled up, or fully assured. This spiritual wholeness is to be realized "in all the will of God" (G2307, *thélēma* and G2316, *theós*), signifying not just knowledge of God's will but a full, obedient, and comprehensive alignment with His divine purpose for their lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "labouring fervently" (ἀγωνίζομαι, *agonizomai*). This word draws from the Greek athletic arena, likening Epaphras's intense prayer to an athlete's strenuous struggle in a contest. This **athletic metaphor** vividly portrays the effort, determination, and spiritual intensity involved in intercessory prayer, suggesting that it is not a passive activity but a demanding spiritual discipline requiring full engagement. Furthermore, the use of "perfect and complete" functions as a form of **Emphasis** through near-synonymy, reinforcing the idea of comprehensive spiritual maturity and wholeness. The two terms together amplify the desired state of the Colossians, underscoring that Epaphras's prayer is for their full development in every aspect of God's will, leaving no room for spiritual deficiency or immaturity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:12 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of Christian maturity and the indispensable role of intercessory prayer in its attainment. Epaphras's fervent wrestling in prayer for the Colossians to be "perfect and complete in all the will of God" underscores that spiritual growth is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal endeavor, deeply supported by the earnest supplication of fellow believers. This verse highlights the divine expectation for believers to move beyond spiritual infancy towards a robust, comprehensive understanding and embodiment of God's purposes. It implies that true spiritual completeness involves both doctrinal soundness (standing firm against false teachings) and practical obedience (living out God's will in every area of life). The will of God is presented as the ultimate standard and destination for the believer's life, encompassing truth, holiness, and purpose.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining Unity and Maturity in Christ")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformation and Discerning God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Epaphras's example in Colossians 4:12 serves as a powerful and challenging call to every believer regarding the nature of our prayer lives and our commitment to the spiritual well-being of others. His "labouring fervently" in prayer for the Colossians is a stark contrast to casual or perfunctory prayer; it speaks of a deep, agonizing, and persistent spiritual engagement born out of genuine love and concern. This challenges us to examine the intensity and consistency of our own intercession for our families, friends, church members, and the global body of Christ. Are we truly wrestling in prayer for others to stand firm, mature, and complete in God's will, especially in a world filled with spiritual distractions and false teachings? Furthermore, Epaphras's specific prayer for "perfection and completeness in all the will of God" invites us to reflect on our own spiritual aspirations. Do we earnestly desire to grow into full maturity in Christ, understanding and embodying His will in every facet of our lives, or are we content with spiritual mediocrity? This verse encourages us to pursue a holistic spiritual development, rooted in Christ and expressed through obedience, knowing that such growth is both a divine work and a journey we are called to actively pursue through prayer and discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Epaphras's "fervent laboring" in prayer challenge my own approach to intercession for others?**
* **What specific areas of spiritual maturity (perfection and completeness) do I need to pray for in my own life and in the lives of those around me?**
* **In what ways am I actively seeking to understand and live "in all the will of God" daily?**
* **Who are the "Epaphrases" in my life who pray for me, and how can I reciprocate that spiritual support?**

### FAQ

**Who was Epaphras, and what was his significance to the Colossian church?**

Answer: Epaphras was a native of Colossae and a faithful minister of the gospel, likely instrumental in establishing the church in Colossae, as well as in Laodicea and Hierapolis ([Colossians 4:13](/colossians/4-13 "Colossians 4:13 - Epaphras's Care for Churches")). He served as Paul's "dear fellow servant" and "faithful minister of Christ" ([Colossians 1:7](/colossians/1-7 "Colossians 1:7 - Epaphras's Ministry")). His significance lay in his pioneering evangelism in the region and his ongoing, deep pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the believers, evidenced by his fervent prayers and his willingness to travel to Paul (who was imprisoned) to report on their condition and seek guidance. He was a trusted and beloved colleague of Paul, sharing in his imprisonment at one point ([Philemon 1:23](/philemon/1-23 "Philemon 1:23 - Epaphras, Paul's Fellow Prisoner")).

**What does "labouring fervently" in prayers imply about the nature of intercession?**

Answer: The phrase "labouring fervently" translates the Greek word *agonizomai*, from which we derive "agonize." It signifies an intense, strenuous struggle, much like an athlete competing in a demanding contest or a soldier fighting in battle. In the context of prayer, it implies a deep, earnest, and persistent spiritual wrestling. It suggests that Epaphras's prayers were not casual or superficial but involved profound emotional and spiritual exertion, reflecting a heavy burden for the Colossians' spiritual state. This highlights that effective intercession is often a diligent, persistent, and deeply engaged activity, not a passive one, as seen in other biblical examples of fervent prayer like that of Elijah ([James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Fervent Prayer")).

**What does it mean to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God"?**

Answer: To "stand perfect" (Greek: *teleios*) refers to spiritual maturity and full development, not sinless perfection. It means being fully grown up in Christ, lacking nothing essential for spiritual wholeness. To be "complete" (Greek: *plēróō*) means to be fully equipped, filled up, or fully assured. When combined, these terms describe a state of comprehensive spiritual maturity where believers are firmly established in their faith, fully understanding and embodying God's truth, and completely aligned with His divine purpose. This "will of God" (Greek: *thélēma*) encompasses not only His specific commands but His entire purpose and design for their lives, ensuring they are not swayed by false teachings but are fully rooted in Christ and living out His intentions for them ([Ephesians 4:14-15](/ephesians/4-14-15 "Ephesians 4:14-15 - Growing Up in Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Epaphras's fervent prayer for the Colossians to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. The very "perfection" and "completeness" Epaphras sought for the believers are realities that are only fully realized *in Christ*. Paul emphasizes throughout Colossians that believers are already "complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's perfect will, having perfectly fulfilled it through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience to God's Will")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate intercessor, "who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Epaphras's agonizing prayer for the Colossians mirrors Christ's own ceaseless intercession for His church, ensuring that His people are continually being conformed to His image and brought to maturity. Thus, the goal of standing "perfect and complete in all the will of God" is not achieved by human striving alone, but is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit, empowered by Christ's finished work and ongoing intercession, drawing believers into deeper conformity with the One who is Himself the perfect embodiment of God's will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 15:30

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;

Colossians 1:9

¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 1:7

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

2 Peter 1:1

¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Romans 15:14

¶ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.