TRV
Translation
King James Version
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Complete Jewish Bible
For I can testify to him that he works hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Berean Standard Bible
For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
American Standard Version
For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.
World English Bible Messianic
For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I beare him record, that he hath a great zeale for you, and for them of Laodicea, and them of Hierapolis.
Young's Literal Translation
for I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
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In the KJVVerse 29,556 of 31,102
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Commentary on Colossians 4 verses 7–18
7 ¶ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 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.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to the end of the world.
I. Concerning Tychicus, Col 4:7. By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear how it fared with him. The churches cannot but be concerned for good ministers and desirous to know their state. He gives him this character, A beloved brother and faithful minister. Paul, though a great apostle, owns a faithful minister for a brother and a beloved brother. Faithfulness in any one is truly lovely, and renders him worthy our affection and esteem. And a fellow-servant in the Lord. Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and capacities of service. Observe, It adds much to the beauty and strength of the gospel ministry when ministers are thus loving and condescending one to another, and by all just means support and advance one another's reputation. Paul sent him not only to tell them of his affairs, but to bring him an account of theirs: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts, Col 4:8. He was willing to hear from them as they could be to hear from him, and thought himself as much obliged to sympathize with them as he thought them obliged to sympathize with him. It is a great comfort, under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of fellow-christians.
II. Concerning Onesimus (Col 4:9): With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. He was sent back from Rome along with Tychicus. This was he whom Paul had begotten in his bonds, Plm 1:10. He had been servant to Philemon, and was a member, if not a minister, of their church. He was converted at Rome, whither he had fled from his master's service; and was now sent back, it is probable, with the epistle to Philemon, to introduce him again into his master's family. Observe, Though he was a poor servant, and had been a bad man, yet, being now a convert, Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother. The meanest circumstance of life, and greatest wickedness of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are entitles to the same regards. The righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all those that believe; for there is no difference (Rom 3:22): and there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28. Perhaps this was some time after he was converted and sent back to Philemon, and by this time he had entered into the ministry, because Paul calls him a brother.
III. Aristarchus, a fellow-prisoner. Those who join in services and sufferings should be thereby engaged to one another in holy love. Paul had a particular affection for his fellow-servants and his fellow-prisoners.
IV. Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas. This is supposed to be the same who wrote the gospel which bears his name. If he come unto you receive him. Paul had a quarrel with Barnabas upon the account of this Mark, who was his nephew, and thought not good to take him with them, because he departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work, Act 15:38. He would not take Mark with him, but took Silas, because Mark had deserted them; and yet Paul is not only reconciled to him himself, but recommends him to the respect of the churches, and gives a great example of a truly Christian forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not be always remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. If a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, Gal 6:1.
V. Here is one who is called Jesus, which is the Greek name for the Hebrew Joshua. If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterwards have spoken of another day, Heb 4:8. Who is called Justus. It is probable that he changed his name for that of Justus, in honour to the name of the Redeemer. Or else Jesus was his Jewish name, for he was of the circumcision; and Justus his Roman or Latin name. These are my fellow-labourers unto the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto me. Observe, What comfort the apostle had in the communion of saints and ministers! One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, who were working out their own salvation and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. Good ministers take great comfort in those who are their fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. Their friendship and converse together are a great refreshment under the sufferings and difficulties in their way.
VI. Epaphras (Col 4:12), the same with Epaphroditus. He is one of you, one of your church; he salutes you, or sends his service to you, and his best affections and wishes. Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Epaphras had learned of Paul to be much in prayer for his friends. Observe, 1. In what manner he prayed for them. He laboured in prayer, laboured fervently, and always laboured fervently for them. Those who would succeed in prayer must take pains in prayer; and we must be earnest in prayer, not only for ourselves, but for others also. It is the effectual fervent prayer which is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much (Jam 5:16), and Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain, Col 4:17. 2. What is the matter of this prayer: That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Observe, To stand perfect and complete in the will of God is what we should earnestly desire both for ourselves and others. We must stand complete in all the will of God; in the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end. The apostle was witness for Epaphras that he had a great zeal for them: "I bear him record; I can testify for him that he has a great concern for you, and that all he does for you proceeds from a warm desire for your good." And his zeal extended to all about them: to those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He had a great concern for the Christian interest in the neighbouring places, as well as among them.
VII. Luke is another here mentioned, whom he calls the beloved physician. This is he who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and was Paul's companion. Observe, He was both a physician and an evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the great physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved physician; one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the affections of his friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment in a minister and may be improved to more extensive usefulness and greater esteem among Christians.
VIII. Demas. Whether this was written before the second epistle to Timothy or after is not certain. There we read (Ti2 4:10), Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. Some have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake Christ; or he forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again, and Paul forgave him and owned him as a brother. But others think more probably that this epistle was written before the other; this in anno 62, that in 66, and then it is an evidence how considerable a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many who have made a great figure in profession, and gained a great name among Christians, have yet shamefully apostatized: They went forth from us, because they were not of us, Jo1 2:19.
IX. The brethren in Laodicea are here mentioned, as living in the neighbourhood of Colosse: and Paul sends salutations to them, and orders that this epistle should be read in the church of the Laodiceans (Col 4:16), that a copy of it should be sent thither, to be read publicly in their congregation. And some think Paul sent another epistle at this time to Laodicea, and ordered them to send for that from Laodicea, and read it in their church: And that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. If so, that epistle is now lost, and did not belong to the canon; for all the epistles which the apostles ever wrote were not preserved, any more than the words and actions of our blessed Lord. There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books which would be written, Joh 21:25. But some think it was the epistle to the Ephesians, which is still extant.
X. Nymphas is mentioned (Col 4:15) as one who lived at Colosse, and had a church in his house; that is, either a religious family, where the several parts of worship were daily performed; or some part of the congregation met there, when they had no public places of worship allowed, and they were forced to assemble in private houses for fear of their enemies. The disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews (Joh 20:19), and the apostle preached in his own lodging and hired house, Act 28:23, Act 28:30. In the former sense it showed his exemplary piety; in the latter his zeal and public spirit.
XI. Concerning Archippus, who was one of their ministers at Colosse. They are bidden to admonish him to mind his work as a minister, to take heed to it, and to fulfil it - to be diligent and careful of all the parts of it, and to persevere in it unto the end. They must attend to the main design of their ministry, without troubling themselves or the people with things foreign to it, or of less moment. Observe, (1.) The ministry we have received is a great honour; for it is received in the Lord, and is by his appointment and command. (2.) Those who have received it must fulfil it, or do the full duty of it. Those betray their trust, and will have a sad account at last, who do this work of the Lord negligently. (3.) The people may put their ministers in mind of their duty, and excite them to it: Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, though no doubt with decency and respect, not from pride and conceit.
XII. Concerning himself (Col 4:18): The salutation of me Paul. Remember my bonds. He had a scribe to write all the rest of the epistle, but these words he wrote with his own hand: Remember my bonds. He does not say, "Remember I am a prisoner, and send me supply;" but, "Remember I am in bonds as the apostle of the Gentiles, and let this confirm your faith in the gospel of Christ:" it adds weight to this exhortation: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy, Eph 4:1. "Grace be with you. The favour of God, and all good, the blessed fruits and effects of it, be with you, and be your portion."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–18. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Colossians 12
"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. For I bear him witness, that he hath much zeal for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis."
In the commencement of this Epistle also, he commended this man for his love; for even to praise is a sign of love; thus in the beginning he said "Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit." (Col. i. 8.) To pray for one is also a sign of love, and causeth love again. He commends him moreover in order to open a door to his teachings, for reverendness in the teacher is the disciples' advantage; and so again is his saying, "one of you," in order that they might pride themselves upon the man, as producing such men. And he saith, "always striving for you in prayers." He said not simply "praying," but "striving," trembling and fearing. "For I bear him witness," he saith, "that he hath much zeal for you." A trustworthy witness. "That he hath," he saith, "much zeal for you," that is, that he loveth you exceedingly; and burneth with passionate affection for you. "And them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis." He commendeth him to those also. But whence were they to know this? They would assuredly have heard; however, they would also learn it when the Epistle was read. For he said, "Cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans." "That ye may stand perfect," he saith. At once he both accuseth them, and without offensiveness gives them advice and counsel. For it is possible both to be perfect, and withal not to stand, as if one were to know all, and still be wavering; it is possible also not to be perfect, and yet to stand, as if one were to know a part, and stand [not ] firmly. But this man prayeth for both: "That ye may stand perfect," he saith. See how again he has reminded them of what he said about the Angels, and about life. "And fully assured," he saith, "in all the will of God." It is not enough, simply to do His will. He that is "filled," suffereth not any other will to be within him, for if so, he is not wholly filled. "For I bear him witness," he saith, "that he hath much zeal." Both "zeal," and "great"; both are intensitive. As he saith himself, when writing to the Corinthians, "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy." (2 Cor. xi. 2.)
It is great praise, and greater than all the rest, his saying of Epaphras, "who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ." And he calleth him a minister for them, like as he termeth himself also a minister of the Church, as when he saith, "Whereof I Paul was made a minister." (Col. i. 23.) To the same dignity he advances this man; and above he calleth him a "fellow-servant" (Col. i. 7), and here, "a servant." "Who is of you," he saith, as if speaking to a mother, and saying, "who is of thy womb." But this praise might have gendered envy; therefore he commendeth him not from these things only, but also from what had regard to themselves; and so he does away with envy, both in the former place, and here. "Always," he saith, "striving for you," not now only, whilst with us, to make a display; nor yet only whilst with you, to make a display before you. By saying, "striving," he hath showed his great earnestness. Then, that he might not seem to be flattering them, he added, "that he hath much zeal for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis." And the words, "that ye may stand perfect," are not words of flattery, but of a reverend teacher. Both "fully assured" he saith, "and perfect." The one he granted them, the other he said was lacking. And he said not, "that ye be not shaken," but, "that ye may stand." Their being saluted, however, by many, is refreshing to them, seeing that not only their friends from among themselves; but others also, remember them.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Colossians 4:13, the Apostle Paul offers a profound commendation of Epaphras, a faithful co-laborer in the gospel, testifying to his intense and passionate dedication. This verse highlights Epaphras's "great zeal" not only for the believers in Colossae, to whom Paul is writing, but also for the Christian communities in the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis, underscoring his expansive and fervent pastoral concern.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically in his personal greetings and commendations of various individuals (Colossians 4:7-18). Immediately preceding this verse, in Colossians 4:12, Paul introduces Epaphras as "one of you, a servant of Christ, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." This preceding verse is crucial, as it defines the primary manifestation of Epaphras's "great zeal" mentioned in Colossians 4:13. Paul's commendation of Epaphras serves to affirm his ministry and encourage the Colossian believers, providing a personal touch to the letter and reinforcing the communal bonds within the early church. The mention of Laodicea and Hierapolis also sets the stage for Paul's instructions regarding the exchange of letters with the Laodiceans in Colossians 4:16.
Historical & Cultural Context: Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis were three cities located in the Lycus Valley of Phrygia, a region in western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). They were relatively close to each other, forming a significant economic and cultural hub. Laodicea was the most prominent of the three, known for its wealth, banking, and textile industry, though it famously faced a spiritual rebuke in Revelation 3:14-22. Hierapolis was renowned for its hot springs and pagan worship, particularly of Cybele. Colossae, while perhaps the least significant economically, was the recipient of Paul's letter, likely due to Epaphras's evangelistic efforts there (Colossians 1:7). The close proximity of these cities meant that Christian communities within them would have been interconnected, sharing resources, teachers, and concerns. Paul's recognition of Epaphras's zeal for all three churches highlights the regional nature of early Christian outreach and the importance of inter-church relationships.
Key Themes: Colossians 4:13 contributes to several overarching themes within the letter and broader Pauline theology. It exemplifies the theme of Pastoral Care and Intercession, as Epaphras's zeal is explicitly linked to his fervent prayers for the churches (Colossians 4:12). This underscores the vital role of prayer in spiritual leadership and the genuine concern ministers should have for their congregations. The verse also highlights the theme of Christian Community and Interconnectedness, demonstrating that the early church was not isolated but comprised of interdependent communities, with ministers like Epaphras serving multiple locales. Furthermore, Paul's commendation of Epaphras reinforces the theme of Affirmation and Encouragement within Ministry, as Paul publicly acknowledges and validates the selfless service of his fellow worker, setting an example for how believers should support one another in their spiritual labors, a principle seen throughout Paul's epistles, such as in Philippians 2:25-30.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The use of Testimony ("I bear him record") lends significant credibility and personal weight to Paul's commendation of Epaphras, making it more impactful than a mere statement. The phrase "great zeal" utilizes Hyperbole or Intensification through the adjective "great" (G4183 polýs), emphasizing the extraordinary nature and depth of Epaphras's passion. Furthermore, the Parallelism in "for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis" effectively highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of Epaphras's concern, showing his dedication extended beyond a single congregation to multiple communities in the region.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:13 powerfully illustrates the New Testament emphasis on fervent, selfless, and expansive pastoral care within the body of Christ. Epaphras's "great zeal" is not merely an emotional state but a deep, active commitment to the spiritual well-being of multiple churches, primarily expressed through diligent prayer as revealed in the preceding verse. This demonstrates that genuine Christian leadership and fellowship are characterized by a passionate concern for others' spiritual growth and perseverance, extending beyond one's immediate sphere to embrace the wider community of believers. It serves as a model for intercessory prayer and cross-congregational support, reminding us that the health of one part of the body impacts the whole.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:13 invites us to examine the depth and breadth of our own spiritual concern for others. Epaphras's "great zeal" was not a fleeting emotion but a sustained, passionate commitment that manifested in tangible ways, particularly through prayer. This challenges us to cultivate a similar ardor for the spiritual flourishing of our fellow believers, both within our local church and for the wider global church. It reminds us that true love for God's people is active, sacrificial, and often expressed in the quiet, consistent discipline of intercession. Just as Paul bore record of Epaphras, we are called to recognize, affirm, and encourage those who faithfully serve Christ and His church, fostering a culture of mutual appreciation and support within the Christian community. Our concern should extend beyond our comfort zones, embracing those in other congregations, cities, and nations, recognizing that we are all part of one body in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the relationship between Paul and Epaphras?
Answer: Epaphras was a beloved and trusted co-laborer with Paul in the gospel. Paul refers to him as "our dear fellowservant" and "a faithful minister of Christ" in Colossians 1:7, and as "one of you" and "a servant of Christ" in Colossians 4:12. He was likely the one who evangelized Colossae and established the church there, and he traveled to Paul (likely in prison) to bring news of the Colossian believers. Paul's commendation in Colossians 4:13 highlights a deep bond of respect and shared ministry between them.
Why did Epaphras have zeal for Laodicea and Hierapolis, not just Colossae?
Answer: Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis were closely situated cities in the Lycus Valley. Epaphras, being from Colossae (Colossians 4:12), likely had a regional ministry or at least a deep concern for the spiritual health of all the Christian communities in his vicinity. The early church often saw evangelism and pastoral care spread organically to neighboring towns and cities, reflecting a broader, interconnected vision of the body of Christ. His zeal for these other cities demonstrates a comprehensive and selfless commitment to the growth and stability of the church throughout his region.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Colossians 4:13 directly commends Epaphras's "great zeal," its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and infinitely surpasses any human zeal. Christ's zeal for God's glory and the salvation of humanity was the driving force behind His entire earthly ministry. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the "zeal of the Lord of hosts" accomplishing salvation (Isaiah 9:7), a zeal later demonstrated in Jesus cleansing the temple (John 2:17, quoting Psalm 69:9). His passion led Him to endure the cross, "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end" (John 13:1). Epaphras's zeal for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, expressed through fervent intercession, mirrors Christ's own intercessory work for His church, as He "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Thus, Epaphras's commendable zeal is a reflection of the perfect, self-giving, and all-encompassing zeal of Christ, who gave Himself for His church to present her "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing" (Ephesians 5:25-27).