Col 1:7, 4:12-13 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 7. As ye also learned of Epaphras . Epaphras was then with Paul, . He had probably been sent to him by the church at Colosse to consult him in reference to some matters pertaining to the church there. It is evident from this, that Epaphras was a minister of the church at Colosse, though there is no evidence, as has been often supposed, that he was the founder of the church. The apostle here says, that they had learned from Epaphras the true nature of the gospel ; and he designs undoubtedly to confirm what he had taught them, in opposition to the teachings of errorists. See the Introduction, 4. He had doubtless conferred with Epaphras respecting the doctrines which he had taught there. Our dear fellow-servant .This shows that Paul had contracted a strong friendship for Epaphras. There is no reason to believe that he had known him before, but his acquaintance with him now had served to attach him strongly to him. It is possible, as has been conjectured, (see the Introduction,) that there was a party in the church at Colosse opposed to Epaphras and to the doctrines which he preached; and if this were so, Paul's strong expression of attachment for him would do much to silence the opposition. Who is for you a faithful minister of Christ . "For you," when he is with you, and in managing your interests here. (l) "learned of Epaphras"

Colossians 1:7

Verse 7. As ye also learned of Epaphras. Epaphras was then with Paul, Phm 1:23. He had probably been sent to him by the church at Colosse to consult him in reference to some matters pertaining to the church there. It is evident from this, that Epaphras was a minister of the church at Colosse, though there is no evidence, as has been often supposed, that he was the founder of the church. The apostle here says, that they had learned from Epaphras the true nature of the gospel; and he designs undoubtedly to confirm what he had taught them, in opposition to the teachings of errorists. See the Introduction, 4. He had doubtless conferred with Epaphras respecting the doctrines which he had taught there.

Our dear fellow-servant.This shows that Paul had contracted a strong friendship for Epaphras. There is no reason to believe that he had known him before, but his acquaintance with him now had served to attach him strongly to him. It is possible, as has been conjectured, (see the Introduction,) that there was a party in the church at Colosse opposed to Epaphras and to the doctrines which he preached; and if this were so, Paul's strong expression of attachment for him would do much to silence the opposition.

Who is for you a faithful minister of Christ. "For you," when he is with you, and in managing your interests here.

(l) "learned of Epaphras" Phm 1:23

Colossians 4:12-13

Verse 12. Epaphras. Col 1:7.

Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Marg., "or, striving." Gr., agonizing. The word denotes the intense desire which he had for their salvation; his fervent, earnest pleading for their welfare.

That ye may stand perfect and complete. Marg., as in Greek, filled. The desire was, that they might maintain their Christian principles unadulterated by the nature of philosophy and error, and completely perform the will of God in every respect. This is the expression of a pious wish in regard to them, without any affirmation that any had been absolutely perfect, or that they would be perfect in this world. It is, however, a command of God that we should be perfect, (see Mt 5:48;) and it is the highest wish of benevolence in reference to any one, that he may be complete in moral character, and may do all the will of God. 2Cor 13:9.

(1) "labouring" "serving" (e) "fervently" Jas 5:16 (f) "stand perfect" Mt 5:48 (2) "complete" "filled affairs" Verse 13. For I bear him record. Paul had had abundant opportunity to know what were his feelings in regard to these churches.

A great zeal for you. A great desire to promote your welfare.

And them that are in Laodicea. Laodicea was the capital of Phrygia, and not far from Colosse. There was a church there. See the Introduction, and Col 4:16.

And them in Hierapolis. This was also a city in Phrygia, and not far from Laodicea and Colosse. It was situated under a hill to the north, and had on the south a large plain about five miles over. On the south of that plain, and opposite to Hierapolis, was Laodicea, with the river Lycus running in between them, nearer to Laodicea than to Hierapolis. This place is now called by the Turks Pambuck-Kulasi, or the Cotton-Tower, on account of the white cliffs which lie round about it. It is now utterly forsaken and desolate, but the ruins are so magnificent as to show that it was once one of the most splendid cities in the East. It was celebrated for the hot springs in its vicinity; and, on account of the numerous temples erected there, it received the name of Hierapolis, or the holy city. The principal deity worshipped there was Apollo. See Travels by T. Smith, B. D. 1678. Comp. Col 4:16. From the allusion to it here it would seem that there were Christians there in the time of Paul, though there is no mention of a church there. It is nowhere else mentioned in the New Testament.

(|) "record" "witness"