Epaphras grew up in the ancient city of Colossae (Col 4:12). At some point, he traveled out of town and crossed paths with some Christians, who evangelized him and led him to conversion and life as "a servant of Christ Jesus" (Col 4:12). Epaphras then met St. Paul, who had never visited Colossae (Col 2:1). He and Paul became fellow missionaries and evangelists (Col 1:7).

After his conversion, Epaphras was sent to Colossae as a representative of Paul's missionary team. The people of Colossae had never known Jesus, but they did know Epaphras. Through his voice, they heard the Gospel message of truth (Col 1:5), believed in Jesus, bore the fruit of disciples (Col 1:6), developed a vibrant "love in the Spirit" (Col 1:8), and established a lasting Church.

At some point Epaphras left Colossae and returned to Paul's mission. Nonetheless, Epaphras had a pastor's heart for them. He was "always pleading earnestly in prayer" that they would "stand firm,...be perfect and have full conviction about whatever pertains to God's will" (Col 4:12). He also prayed for the other cities in his home region, interceding solicitously for Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 4:13). Finally, Paul was imprisoned (Col 4:10) with Epaphras (Phlm 23), but remembered the church at Colossae and wrote them the letter to the Colossians.

Be an Epaphras. Bring Jesus to your hometown.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013

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