A note from the Pastor’s Desk:

“For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”

Colossians 4:13

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle Paul continues his testimony regarding Epaphras, the local pastor of the church in Colossae. Epaphras journeyed from Colossae to Rome to visit the Apostle. During his visit, the authorities arrested Epaphras, preventing him from returning to his congregation. The closing remarks of the Apostle provide a testimony regarding Epaphras’s dedication and devotion to his pastoral duties. 

Historians generally agree that the Apostle wrote this letter in approximately 60 CE. The Apostle’s initial focus in the letter makes it clear that the church was experiencing a great struggle with false teachers. Heresies were being broadly introduced and supported. Historical records also indicate that the general community of Colossae was struggling. The economy had taken a downturn. Then, around 60 CE, the valley where Colossae sat experienced a strong earthquake. In the midst of this, Epaphras has now left the congregation to travel to Rome and has not returned. The rumors within the congregation and the community at large were gaining steam. People were accusing him of abandoning the congregation when things got tough. The rumors of Epaphras’s failure as a pastor prompted the Apostle to write this verse. He steps into the court of public opinion to testify on Epaphras’s behalf. The opening words, “For I bear him record,” literally mean that the Apostle was testifying or bearing witness as a character reference for Epaphras.

The Apostle’s testimony is that Epaphras has “a great zeal for you.” The modern disciple should not minimize the meaning of this phrase. Early manuscripts of this letter used the word ponos, which literally means “distressing, agonizing toil, or painful physical exertion.” The Apostle dismisses the rumors, telling them that while Epaphras is physically constrained from returning to them, he is consumed with concern for their well-being and the congregation’s health. The congregation, rather than gossiping about Epaphras, should be praying for his health and his release from prison. 

The weight of his burden intensified Epaphras’s struggle. Scriptural and historical references make it clear that Epaphras was connected not only to the congregation in Colossae but also to the congregations in Laodicea and Hierapolis. These communities were all in the same river valley but had distinctly different circumstances. While Colossae was declining and struggling economically, Laodicea was commercially vibrant and wealthy. Laodicea was in a position to refuse financial aid from the Roman government for reconstruction after the earthquake in 60 CE. Meanwhile, Hierapolis, a pagan, idolatrous spa town, continually challenged the young congregation. The pastoral burden on Epaphras was magnified by trying to keep this fractured regional network together. 

Our study verse this week also demonstrates the Apostle’s incredible humility. The Apostle did not found these churches, and he doesn’t try to micro-manage or hijack them. Instead, he steps back to shine the spotlight on a local, home-grown minister, validating Epaphras’s independent and regional strategy. The Apostle reinforces Epaphras’s dedication to the local assemblies. This approach reflects an important lesson for the church today. A model of mutual trust, shared burdens, and deep respect defines the health of the church.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah