Colossians 4:12
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.

English Standard Version
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Berean Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.

Berean Literal Bible
Epaphras greets you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always struggling for you in the prayers, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

New American Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

NASB 1995
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

NASB 1977
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a slave of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God.

Amplified Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of God.

Christian Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Your own Epaphras, who serves Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He always prays hard that you may fully know what the Lord wants you to do and that you may do it completely.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Epaphras, a servant of Christ Jesus from your city, greets you. He always prays intensely for you. He prays that you will continue to be mature and completely convinced of everything that God wants.

Good News Translation
Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will.

International Standard Version
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of the Messiah Jesus, sends you his greetings. He is always wrestling in his prayers for you, so that you may stand mature, completely convinced of the entire will of God.

Majority Standard Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and complete in the full will of God.

NET Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

New Heart English Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, sends you greetings, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand firm--Christians of ripe character and of clear conviction as to everything which is God's will.

World English Bible
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Epaphras greets you, who [is] of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that you may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God,

Berean Literal Bible
Epaphras greets you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always struggling for you in the prayers, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Young's Literal Translation
Salute you doth Epaphras, who is of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
Epaphras, who of you, greets you, a servant of Christ, always contending for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfected and completed in all the will of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Epaphras saluteth you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, who is always solicitous for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect, and full in all the will of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Epaphras greets you, who is from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, ever solicitous for you in prayer, so that you may stand, perfect and complete, in the entire will of God.

New American Bible
Epaphras sends you greetings; he is one of you, a slave of Christ [Jesus], always striving for you in his prayers so that you may be perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

New Revised Standard Version
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Ep’a-phras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you: always labouring for you in prayer, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Epaphra, a Servant of The Messiah from among you, invokes your peace, laboring always for you in prayer, that you may stand perfect and complete in the whole pleasure of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; he always strives earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Godbey New Testament
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.

Haweis New Testament
Epaphras, one of you, saluteth you, a servant of Christ, always wrestling for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Mace New Testament
have cordially reliev'd me. Epaphras a servant of Christ, and your countryman, salutes you, who is always very earnest in his prayers, that you may be perfectly acquainted with, and constantly observe,

Weymouth New Testament
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand firm--Christians of ripe character and of clear conviction as to everything which is God's will.

Worrell New Testament
Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Worsley New Testament
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you; who always strives earnestly for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Final Greetings
11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. 13For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.…

Cross References
Philippians 1:4-5
In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, / because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

Romans 15:30
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

2 Corinthians 13:9
In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

2 Thessalonians 1:11
To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,

Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Luke 22:44
And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.


Treasury of Scripture

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Epaphras.

Colossians 1:7
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Philemon 1:23
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

a servant.

John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

always.

Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Luke 22:44
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

labouring.

Colossians 2:1-23
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; …

that.

Colossians 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Romans 15:30
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

See on ch.

Colossians 1:9,22,28
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; …

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

1 Corinthians 2:6
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Jump to Previous
Always Assured Behalf Bondservant Bondslave Character Christ Christians Clear Complete Conviction Earnestly Epaphras Fervently Firm Fully God's Greetings Greets Jesus Labouring Perfect Prayer Prayers Remembering Ripe Salutes Saluteth Sends Servant Stand Striving Thought Wrestling Yourselves
Jump to Next
Always Assured Behalf Bondservant Bondslave Character Christ Christians Clear Complete Conviction Earnestly Epaphras Fervently Firm Fully God's Greetings Greets Jesus Labouring Perfect Prayer Prayers Remembering Ripe Salutes Saluteth Sends Servant Stand Striving Thought Wrestling Yourselves
Colossians 4
1. He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;
5. to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.
10. He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.














Epaphras
Epaphras is a significant figure in the early Christian church, mentioned here as a fellow believer from Colossae. His name, of Greek origin, means "lovely" or "charming." Historically, Epaphras is believed to have been instrumental in founding the church at Colossae, as well as those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. His role as a church planter and leader highlights the importance of local leadership in the early church, emphasizing the need for dedicated individuals who are deeply rooted in their communities to spread the Gospel.

who is one of you
This phrase underscores Epaphras's connection to the Colossian believers. It indicates that he is not an outsider but a member of their community, which would have strengthened his credibility and influence among them. This connection is vital in the early church context, where local leaders were essential for maintaining doctrinal purity and community cohesion.

a servant of Christ Jesus
The term "servant" here is translated from the Greek word "doulos," which means bondservant or slave. This denotes a position of humility and total devotion to Christ. In the Roman world, a doulos was someone who was entirely at the disposal of their master. Epaphras's identity as a servant of Christ highlights his commitment and submission to the will of Jesus, serving as a model for all believers to prioritize their allegiance to Christ above all else.

sends you greetings
This simple phrase reflects the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. Despite geographical distances, there was a strong sense of unity and fellowship among believers. Greetings were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of love, concern, and solidarity in the faith. This practice of sending greetings is a reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships and encouraging one another in the faith.

He is always wrestling in prayer for you
The word "wrestling" is translated from the Greek "agonizomai," which conveys the idea of striving or struggling earnestly. This term is often associated with athletic contests, suggesting intense effort and dedication. Epaphras's commitment to prayer is depicted as a spiritual battle, emphasizing the power and necessity of intercessory prayer. His example challenges believers to engage deeply in prayer, recognizing it as a vital means of supporting and uplifting one another.

so that you may stand mature
The phrase "stand mature" indicates a goal of spiritual growth and maturity. The Greek word "teleios" is used here, meaning complete or perfect. This maturity is not about flawlessness but about reaching a level of spiritual development where one's faith is steadfast and resilient. It reflects the biblical call for believers to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word, becoming more like Christ in character and conduct.

and fully assured
This phrase speaks to the confidence and certainty that comes from a deep-rooted faith. The Greek word "plerophoreo" suggests being fully convinced or persuaded. This assurance is not based on human wisdom but on the truth of God's promises and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that believers can have confidence in their salvation and God's plan for their lives, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

in the full will of God
The "full will of God" refers to the comprehensive understanding and alignment with God's purposes and desires. It encompasses knowing God's moral will as revealed in Scripture and discerning His specific guidance in one's life. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's will earnestly, striving to live in obedience and alignment with His divine plan. It is a call to pursue holiness and to trust in God's sovereign direction for our lives.

(12) Epaphras.--See Note on Colossians 1:7.

Servant of Christ.--A title assumed by St. James and St. Judo, as well as by St. Paul himself, but given by him only to Timothy (Philippians 1:1) and to Epaphras here. Of course, all Christians are "servants of Christ." But the name, as applied here, is no doubt distinctive of some peculiar character of service.

Labouring fervently.--Properly, wrestling in agony of prayer. (See Romans 15:30.)

Perfect and complete.--The word here found in the best MSS. for "complete" is used in Romans 4:21; Romans 14:5, for "fully convinced" or "persuaded." This is probably, though not perhaps necessarily, its meaning here. In the two epithets--perfect and fully established in conviction--we may again trace, as before, reference to the pretensions of the Gnostic teachers to exclusive perfection in wisdom. St. Paul's true fellow-worker, like himself, prays that this perfection may belong to all, and that it may have its basis not is the secrets of heavenly knowledge, but in the revealed "will of God." . . .

Verse 12. - Epaphras, who is (one) of you, saluteth you, a servant (bondman) of Christ Jesus (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; Galatians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 7:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:24; Acts 4:29; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:3, 6). "Of you," like Onesimus (ver. 9). He was a native of Colossae, as well as evangelist and minister of the Church there (Colossians 1:7, 8). "Bondman of Christ Jesus" is the title the apostle so often claims for himself (see references), only here put by him on any one else. Is there an implied reference to Onesimus (ver. 9), who was "a bondman after the flesh," but "the Lord's freedman" (Philemon 1:16), while Epaphras, "the freeman," is "Christ's bondman" (comp. 1 Corinthians 7:22)? We are reminded again of Colossians 2:6 (see note). Always striving on your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand fast, (being) perfect and fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 1:9, 23, 29; Colossians 2:1, 2, 5; Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:11-14; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:15). Epaphras "strives" ("wrestles") for his spiritual charge, like the apostle himself (Colossians 1:29, see note on ἀγωνίζομαι; Colossians 2:1; Romans 15:30; Luke 22:44). Προσκαρτερέω in ver. 2 denotes the patient persistence, this word the intense energy, of prevailing prayer. For "stand" (where Lightfoot, Westcott and Hort, and other critical editors read the stronger σταθῆτε for στῆτε), comp. Colossians 1:23; Colossians 2:7; it is four times repeated in the stirring appeal of Ephesians 6:11-14. For Churches threatened by the attacks of heresy it was above all things needful "that they should stand fast." On "perfect," see Colossians 1:28; also Colossians 3:14; the word bears a primary reference to "knowledge," and implies a fully instructed and enlightened condition (Philippians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:14; Hebrews 6:1), attended with corresponding spiritual advancement (Ephesians 4:13). "Fully assured" (πεπληροφορημένοι, Revised Text) carries us back to Colossians 2:2 (see notes; on this verb, compare Lightfoot's exhaustive note). It bears the same sense in Romans 4:21 and Romans 14:5; a slightly different one in Luke 1:1. From the tenor of the letter it appears that the Colossians needed a deeper Christian insight and more intelligent and well-grounded convictions respecting the truth "as in Jesus." "All (the) will" is strictly distributive (every will); θέλημα' (Colossians 1:9) differs from our will in having a concrete rather than abstract sense, denoting an act or expression of will.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Epaphras,
Ἐπαφρᾶς (Epaphras)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1889: Contracted from Epaphroditos; Epaphras, a Christian.

who [is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[one] of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[and] a servant
δοῦλος (doulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

of Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

sends you greetings.
Ἀσπάζεται (Aspazetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.

[He is] always
πάντοτε (pantote)
Adverb
Strong's 3842: Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.

wrestling
ἀγωνιζόμενος (agōnizomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

prayer
προσευχαῖς (proseuchais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

you,
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may stand
σταθῆτε (stathēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

mature
τέλειοι (teleioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

fully assured
πεπληροφορημένοι (peplērophorēmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4135: From pleres and phoreo; to carry out fully, i.e. Completely assure, entirely accomplish.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] full
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

will
θελήματι (thelēmati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2307: An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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