Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:7

What does Colossians 1:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:7 means

Paul credits Epaphras as the one from whom they “learned” the gospel. He calls Epaphras a “beloved fellow-servant” and “a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,” commending both his character and his Christ-centered service. This honors the ordinary yet vital means God uses: faithful teachers who clearly present the gospel. By endorsing Epaphras, Paul strengthens the Colossians’ confidence in what they were taught and counters rival voices. Epaphras served not to build a personal following but to exalt Christ. His ministry reflects the humility and fidelity that Paul values. In recognizing Epaphras, Paul also models gratitude for coworkers and shows that the church’s growth typically comes through trusted, local shepherds.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

As it was given to you by Epaphras, our well-loved helper, who is a true servant of Christ for us,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

as ye also learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful ministrant of the Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As you learned of Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-bondman, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,

Context

After celebrating the gospel’s fruitfulness (verse 6), Paul identifies Epaphras as the instrument God used to bring that gospel to Colossæ (verse 7). This naturally leads to verse 8, where Epaphras’s report about the Colossians’ spiritual love prompts Paul’s ongoing prayers. The flow from messenger to message to spiritual fruit underscores continuity between Paul’s apostolic mission and Epaphras’s local ministry, preparing for Paul’s intercessory requests in verses 9–12.

v.6which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

v.7This passage

v.8who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

  • Ephesians 5:21

    subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

  • Matthew 25:21

    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • Philemon 1:23

    Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • Philippians 2:19

    But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

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