Epaphras’ role offers a rich, practical model for understanding **biblical discipleship** and the faithful **transmission of the gospel**. Though mentioned only briefly in Scripture, his life reflects deep truths about how the gospel spreads and how disciples are made—not merely through platforms or professionals, but through ordinary believers empowered by the Spirit. --- ## 📖 Epaphras in Scripture > _“…you previously heard [the gospel] in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth—**just as you learned it from Epaphras**, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf…”_ > — [Colossians 1:5–7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.5-7&version=AMP) > _“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”_ > — [Colossians 4:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4.12&version=AMP) --- ## 🔍 What Epaphras Teaches Us about Discipleship and Gospel Transmission ### 1. **Discipleship Begins with Being Discipled** Epaphras likely heard the gospel through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus ([[Acts 19.10]]) and then carried that message back to Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. - He **received** the gospel deeply before **transmitting** it. - Effective discipleship is always a **pass-through**, not self-originated. > ✅ Lesson: You can only make disciples **after you’ve been formed by the gospel yourself**. --- ### 2. **Ordinary People Are God's Instruments** Epaphras was not an apostle or famous teacher. He was a **local believer** from Colossae (“one of you”) who became a fruitful gospel worker. - God uses the **faithful witness of everyday people** to plant churches and disciple others. - No credentials—just **faithfulness, love, and truth**. > ✅ Lesson: You don’t need a platform to be a disciple-maker—you need **conviction, clarity, and compassion**. --- ### 3. **Gospel Transmission Is Word-Based and Spirit-Driven** The Colossians “learned” the gospel from Epaphras ([[Col. 1.7]]), implying **intentional teaching** and **relational investment**. - Gospel transmission involves **doctrine**, not just presence. - But Epaphras didn’t just teach; he **wrestled in prayer** (Col. 4:12), relying on the Spirit. > ✅ Lesson: True discipleship combines **sound teaching** and **intercessory love**. --- ### 4. **Real Discipleship Aims for Maturity, Not Just Conversion** Epaphras didn’t stop after planting the church—he **labored in prayer** that they would be “mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” - Discipleship is not just about professions of faith, but **transformed lives** and **theological depth**. - It is **long-term and labor-intensive**. > ✅ Lesson: Discipleship is about helping others **stand firm, grow deep, and endure faithfully**. --- ## 🧭 Summary Table |**Principle**|**From Epaphras’ Example**| |---|---| |Be discipled before making disciples|Received the gospel through Paul| |Ordinary saints do extraordinary things|“One of you”—a local believer planting churches| |Teaching and prayer go hand in hand|Taught the truth, wrestled in prayer for their maturity| |Discipleship aims at maturity|Desired that they “stand mature and fully assured”| --- ## 🌱 Final Reflection Epaphras reminds us that **discipleship is relational, doctrinal, prayerful, and Spirit-empowered**. His legacy challenges every believer to be both **a student of the Word** and **a servant of others**, carrying the gospel to our “Colossae” and laboring until Christ is fully formed in those we serve (Galatians 4:19). --- Let me know in the comments: 🙋 _Who has been an “Epaphras” in your life—and who might God be calling you to disciple today?_