Look at the Book. Epaphras – the Prayer Warrior

Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles.

God is interested in individual believers within the body of Christ. Many specific names appear in the New Testament, which indicate that God acknowledges the actions of each individual. Such epistles as Romans, Colossians and Second Timothy cite many names at the conclusion of each of the writings.

These individual’s names are clearly given by the Holy Spirit to admonish every believer to serve within the body of Christ, the church. One such individual was Epaphras, a Christian from Colosse.

Epaphras travelled to Rome to inform Paul of doctrinal problems that were appearing in the church at Colosse. He shared the Gospel to his fellow citizens (Colossians 1:7); therefore, he was concerned about the confusion that was spreading in the church. There was a genuine love for one another (1:8), but ideas contrary to the principles of Christ were permeating the local body of believers.

Epaphras, a “dear fellow servant” (1:7), was bound to Christ his Master. He was, likewise, bound to the Christian citizens of Colosse. They were his “family” in Christ. These strong ties caused Epaphras, “the faithful servant” (1:7), to seek the advice of Paul, a prisoner in Rome.

Although Paul did not establish this church plant in Colosse, great “conflict” (2:1) stirred within him. He wanted them to experience the consistent “comfort” (2:2) that can only be found in the mystery of God the Father and Christ. Christ must have the “preeminence” (1:18) in the actions and attitudes of the believer. Christ, “the hope of glory” (1:27), is within the believer. One can only accomplish a holy life with His assistance. This “mystery” concerning the body of Christ has now been revealed by the Apostle Paul especially for the Gentiles (1:27).

Epaphras, “a servant of Christ” (4:12), clearly showed Paul that he possessed “a great zeal” (4:13) for the believers in Colosse, as well as the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He was bound to these Christians by prayer. Paul acknowledged the agonizing prayers of Epaphras toward the people that he considered his companions in Christ (4:12). How he pleaded with God that they would mature in their Christian growth and stand secure in His holy standards!

For Christians today, Epaphras becomes the great example of a prayer warrior. He knew that his desires for the believers in Colosse were diametrically opposed by the devil himself, yet Christ-centered zeal drove Epaphras to intense prayer for his city. He prayed that each believer would obtain full spiritual maturity in Christ which would bring consistent stability in the Christian life. It is possible to walk circumspectly and courageously in the will of God (2:6; 4:12).

Tychicus, with Onesimus by his side, carried this letter to the church of Colosse, as well as the letters to Philemon and to the church at Ephesus; while Epaphras remained with Paul. It now seems that Epaphras would not return to Colosse. He chose to be a companion with Paul in prison or became a “prisoner” himself alongside of Paul (Philemon 1:23).

May we accept the admonition of Paul to “continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2) for the body of Christ, especially for those Christians in our church community. And like Epaphras, may we intercede for one another intelligently and intensely, knowing that God will see our “works” and be satisfied with the fruit of our labors!

Rob Zapotoski,
SMS interim Director

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For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Galatians 5:6

Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.