Boy New Testament Rare
Epaphras
covered with foam
Ἐπαφρᾶς Epaphras
Epaphras (Greek: Ἐπαφρᾶς, Epaphras) means “covered with foam”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 3 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Epaphras
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 3 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Colossians 1:7 |
| Last appears | Philemon 1:23 |
| Cross-references | 112 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Epaphroditus co-occurrence Appears with Epaphroditus in Colossians 4.
- Archippus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Archippus.
- Demas co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Demas.
- Apphia co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
- Jesus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Jesus.
- Nympha co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Nympha.
- Onesimus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Onesimus.
- Justus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Justus.
Origin & meaning
Ἐπαφρᾶς, -ᾶ (B1., § 7, 4), ὁ,
Epaphras: Col.1:7 4:12, Phm 23.*†
(AS)
Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ and a fellow prisoner with Paul, who labored in prayer for the Colossians.
The biblical story
Epaphras was a prominent figure in the early church and a close associate of the apostle Paul. He is described as a faithful minister of Christ and a fellow servant of Paul (Col.1.7). Epaphras was likely a native of Colossae and played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the church there. He is credited with sharing the gospel with the Colossians and nurturing their faith (Col.1.7). Epaphras's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Colossian believers is evident in his fervent prayers on their behalf. Paul mentions that Epaphras was always laboring earnestly for them in his prayers, desiring that they would stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God (Col.4.12). This highlights Epaphras's dedication to the spiritual growth and maturity of the church. In the letter to Philemon, Paul refers to Epaphras as his fellow prisoner (Phm.1.23), indicating that Epaphras had faced imprisonment for his faith, possibly alongside Paul. This shared experience of suffering for the gospel further strengthens the bond between them. Epaphras's ministry extended beyond Colossae, as Paul also mentions his labors in the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col.4.13). Epaphras's life exemplifies the commitment, sacrifice, and pastoral care of early Christian leaders who tirelessly served the church and advanced the gospel message.
Key verses
Epaphras appears in 3 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Colossians 1:7 -
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.
Colossians 4:12 -
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Philemon 1:23
Show all 3 references
Colossians (2)
- Colossians 1:7
- Colossians 4:12
Philemon (1)
- Philemon 1:23