Lately, I have been studying the Epistle to Colossians and one character that has caught my attention in the study is the man named Epaphras.
Epaphras got converted when he went to hear Apostle Paul preaching in Ephesus. Thereafter, he went home in Colossae and planted a church. Later, the Colossian church was faced with the problem of false teachers and Epaphras immediately went to Rome to meet Paul and seek assistance on how to address the problem (1:7-8; Acts 19:10).
The interesting thing with this man, however, is that he still remains a little known figure despite “working hard for the church at Colossae” (4:13). Unless, you take you time to critically study the epistle, you will never know how important Epaphras was to the Colossian church.
This is how things can go in our service for the Lord sometimes. We might give out our best and keep things moving by the grace of God but still remain little known figures. This should never discourage us since it is all about Christ and not us. All the glory should go to him alone. As John Baptist once remarked, “Let him increase while we decrease” (John 3:30).
Therefore, never be bothered so much about getting a credit for your service unto the Lord because the truth is that you will not always get it. All the same continue to serve the Lord faithfully and seek to bring all the glory to Him like Epaphras the unsung hero did.
Amen! God does His extraordinary works in the ordinaries of life. God’s work in/through Epaphras truly demonstrates that.
I can’t agree more. Thanks for your comment, pastor.
How wonderful. This is such a good word. I must admit that I overlooked Epaphras. He is an example for those who are doing a tireless unnoticed work but making an impact for God. Though men don’t applaud them, I hope they know that their labor is not in vain. God has not overlooked them!
DJ Martin,
Thanks for your comment. Thanks also for following Scripture Alone. May God bless you.