Colossians 4:12 – “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul mentions Epaphras, a faithful servant of Christ and a leader in the Colossian church. Epaphras had likely founded the church in Colossae (Colossians 1:7), and even though he was now with Paul, he remained deeply concerned for his fellow believers.

Paul describes three key characteristics of Epaphras:

1. “One of you” – Epaphras was from Colossae, making him a local leader who deeply understood the challenges and needs of the church.
2. “A servant of Christ Jesus“ – This phrase shows his deep commitment to Christ. He didn’t seek personal gain but served the Lord and His people.
3. “Always wrestling in prayer for you” – The word “wrestling” (Greek: agonizomai) means struggling, contending, or striving. Epaphras didn’t just pray casually-he prayed with intensity and perseverance, fighting in prayer for the spiritual growth of the Colossian believers.

Epaphras’ prayer had a clear purpose: that the Colossians would “stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” He wasn’t just praying for their health or physical needs but for their spiritual strength-that they would grow in faith, be unwavering in their commitment to God’s will, and have full confidence in their salvation.

Historical Context

The Colossian church was facing false teachings, likely influenced by Greek philosophy, Jewish legalism, and mysticism (Colossians 2:8-23). Epaphras, as their pastor, was deeply concerned that they would not be led astray but would stand firm in the truth of Christ.

At this time, Paul was in prison in Rome (around A.D. 60-62), and Epaphras had traveled to see him, likely to seek Paul’s guidance on how to address the challenges in Colossae. Even though Epaphras was far from his church, he remained connected to them through prayer, continually interceding for them.

This shows that distance does not limit the power of prayer. Epaphras couldn’t physically be with the Colossians, but he fought for them in prayer, believing that God was at work even when he couldn’t be.

Theological Implications

1. Prayer is spiritual work. The word “wrestling” suggests that prayer is not passive-it is a battle. Epaphras labored in prayer because he knew it made a difference in the spiritual strength of his fellow believers.

2. Spiritual growth matters more than physical comfort. Epaphras prayed for maturity and assurance, not just temporary blessings. His focus was on God’s will, not human desires.

3. Christians should pray for one another. Epaphras’ example shows that leaders, pastors, and fellow believers should regularly pray for each other’s spiritual growth.

4. Faithfulness in prayer is a mark of a true servant of Christ. Epaphras wasn’t seeking fame-his greatest work was behind the scenes in prayer.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is rich in meaning:

• “Always wrestling in prayer for you” – The Greek word agonizomai (from which we get the English word “agonize”) means striving with effort. It reflects deep commitment and struggle in prayer.
• “That you may stand firm” – The phrase suggests stability and endurance in faith, resisting false teachings and temptations.
• “Mature and fully assured” – Spiritual maturity means growing in Christ, and being fully assured means having complete confidence in God’s promises and salvation.

Paul’s choice of words highlights the seriousness and urgency of prayer in the life of a believer.

Biblical Cross-References

• Colossians 1:7-8 – Epaphras is described as a faithful minister who taught the gospel to the Colossians.
• Luke 22:44 – “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Jesus also “wrestled” in prayer.)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.” (Prayer is not a one-time act but a lifelong commitment.)
• Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Prayer is a weapon in spiritual warfare.)
• James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (Epaphras’ prayers were meaningful because he was faithful and devoted to Christ.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to support others. Epaphras’ example reminds us that prayer can change lives, even when we are physically far away from those we are praying for.

2. Spiritual strength is more important than worldly success. Epaphras did not pray for the Colossians to be wealthy or comfortable-he prayed for them to be strong in their faith. Our prayers should focus on eternal priorities, not just temporary needs.

3. Faithfulness in prayer is a sign of true love. Epaphras deeply loved his church, and his commitment to praying for them showed that love. If we truly care about people, we should be praying for them regularly.

4. Every believer has a role in spiritual growth. Epaphras was not an apostle, but he played a key role in strengthening the Colossians through his prayers and teaching. Every Christian can make a difference in the lives of others by being faithful in prayer.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for believers to grow in faith and stand firm. He does not want His people to be weak or unsure-He wants them to be mature and fully assured in their faith.

Epaphras’ dedication to prayer reflects God’s own heart for His people. Just as Epaphras interceded for the Colossians, Jesus intercedes for believers before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). God loves His people so much that He provides leaders, teachers, and fellow believers to encourage and strengthen them.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of wrestling in prayer.

• Luke 22:41-44 – Jesus prayed earnestly in Gethsemane, showing the intensity of true prayer.
• John 17:20-21 – Jesus prayed for all believers, just as Epaphras prayed for the Colossians.
• Hebrews 7:25 – “He always lives to intercede for them.” (Jesus continues to pray for His people even today.)

Epaphras’ prayer life reflects Jesus’ own heart for His followers-that they would stand firm, grow in faith, and remain strong in God’s will.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Epaphras’ commitment to prayer challenge your own prayer life?
2. Are your prayers focused on temporary needs or spiritual growth for yourself and others?
3. Who in your life needs you to wrestle in prayer for them? How can you start?
4. What does it mean to be mature and fully assured in your faith? How can you grow in this area?
5. How can you encourage your church, family, or friends through prayer?

This verse reminds us that prayer is not just a religious duty-it is powerful, essential, and life-changing. Like Epaphras, every believer is called to pray persistently for the spiritual strength of others, trusting that God is at work through every prayer.