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Text -- Colossians 1:7 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
1:7 You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave– a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Epaphras a man who was a fellow laborer with Paul


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zeal | Minister | LAODICEA | Epaphras | Colossians, Epistle to the | Colosse | COLOSSAE | Beloved | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Col 1:7 - -- Of Epaphras ( apo Epaphrā ). "From Epaphras"who is the source of their knowledge of Christ.

Of Epaphras ( apo Epaphrā ).

"From Epaphras"who is the source of their knowledge of Christ.

Robertson: Col 1:7 - -- On our behalf ( huper hēmōn ). Clearly correct (Aleph A B D) and not huper humōn (on your behalf). In a true sense Epaphras was Paul’ s ...

On our behalf ( huper hēmōn ).

Clearly correct (Aleph A B D) and not huper humōn (on your behalf). In a true sense Epaphras was Paul’ s messenger to Colossae.

Vincent: Col 1:7 - -- Fellow-servant Used by Paul only here and Col 4:7.

Fellow-servant

Used by Paul only here and Col 4:7.

Vincent: Col 1:7 - -- Minister ( διάκονος ) See on Mat 20:26; see on Mar 9:35.

Minister ( διάκονος )

See on Mat 20:26; see on Mar 9:35.

Vincent: Col 1:7 - -- For you ( ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ) Read ἡμῶν , us as Rev., on our behalf : as Paul's representative.

For you ( ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν )

Read ἡμῶν , us as Rev., on our behalf : as Paul's representative.

Wesley: Col 1:7 - -- Of Paul and Timotheus.

Of Paul and Timotheus.

JFB: Col 1:7 - -- "Also" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The insertion implied that those inserting it thought that Paul had preached the Gospel to the Colossians...

"Also" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The insertion implied that those inserting it thought that Paul had preached the Gospel to the Colossians as well as Epaphras, Whereas the omission in the oldest manuscripts implies that Epaphras alone was the founder of the Church at Colosse.

JFB: Col 1:7 - -- "from Epaphras."

"from Epaphras."

JFB: Col 1:7 - -- Greek, "beloved."

Greek, "beloved."

JFB: Col 1:7 - -- Namely, of Christ. In Phm 1:23 he calls him "my fellow prisoner." It is possible that Epaphras may have been apprehended for his zealous labors in Asi...

Namely, of Christ. In Phm 1:23 he calls him "my fellow prisoner." It is possible that Epaphras may have been apprehended for his zealous labors in Asia Minor; but more probable that Paul gave him the title; as his faithful companion in his imprisonment (compare Note, see on Col 4:10, as to MEYER'S conjecture).

JFB: Col 1:7 - -- Translate, "who is faithful in your behalf as a minister of Christ"; hinting that he is one not to be set aside for the new and erroneous teachers (Co...

Translate, "who is faithful in your behalf as a minister of Christ"; hinting that he is one not to be set aside for the new and erroneous teachers (Col. 2:1-23). Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "for (or 'in behalf of') US." Vulgate, however, with one of the oldest manuscripts, supports English Version.

Clarke: Col 1:7 - -- As ye also learned of Epaphras - who is for you - Who this Epaphras was we cannot tell; only it is likely that he was a Colossian, and became, by th...

As ye also learned of Epaphras - who is for you - Who this Epaphras was we cannot tell; only it is likely that he was a Colossian, and became, by the call and grace of Christ, a deacon of this Church, faithfully labouring with the apostle, to promote its best interests. Some think that he is the same with Epaphroditus, Epaphras being a contraction of that name, as Demas is of Demetrius; and it is remarkable that one of the Slavonic versions has Epaphroditus in this place. That he was a Colossian is evident from Col 4:12 : Epaphras, who is one of you, ὁ εξ ὑμων· some think that he was the first who preached the Gospel among this people, and hence called an apostle. He was raised up among themselves to be their minister in the absence of the apostle, and he showed himself to be worthy of this calling by a faithful discharge of his ministry, and by labouring fervently for them all, and pressing them forward, that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Defender: Col 1:7 - -- Epaphras evidently had been the man who first preached the gospel and established the church at Colosse. At the time of writing, he was with Paul (Col...

Epaphras evidently had been the man who first preached the gospel and established the church at Colosse. At the time of writing, he was with Paul (Col 4:12), having brought word to him of the state of the Colossian church with its need for doctrinal guidance. He is also mentioned in Phm 1:23, where it is indicated that Epaphras may also have been imprisoned with Paul for a time."

TSK: Col 1:7 - -- Epaphras : Col 4:12; Phm 1:23 our : Phi 2:19-22, Phi 2:25 a : Num 12:7; Mat 24:45, Mat 25:21; 1Co 4:2, 1Co 4:17, 1Co 7:25; 2Co 11:23; Eph 5:21; 1Ti 4:...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Col 1:7 - -- As ye also learned of Epaphras - Epaphras was then with Paul. Phm 1:23. He had probably been sent to him by the church at Colossae to consult h...

As ye also learned of Epaphras - Epaphras was then with Paul. Phm 1:23. He had probably been sent to him by the church at Colossae to consult him in reference to some matters pertaining to the church there. It is evident from this, that Epaphras was a minister of the church at Colossae, though there is no evidence, as has been often supposed, that he was the founder of the church. The apostle here says, that they had learned from Epaphras the true nature of the gospel, and he designs undoubtedly to confirm what he had taught them in opposition to the teachings of errorists; see the Introduction, Section 4. He had doubtless conferred with Epaphras respecting the doctrines which he had taught there.

Our dear fellow-servant - This shows that Paul had contracted a strong friendship for Epaphras. There is no reason to believe that he had known him before, but his acquaintance with him now had served to attach him strongly to him. It is possible, as has been conjectured (see the Introduction), that there was a party in the church at Colossae opposed to Epaphras and to the doctrines which he preached, and if this were so, Paul’ s strong expression of attachment for him would do much to silence the opposition.

Who is for you a faithful minister of Christ - "For you,"when he is with you, and in managing your interests here.

Poole: Col 1:7 - -- As ye also learned of Epaphras: to maintain the truth, it did much concern them to have a good opinion of him, who was an eminent instrument in commu...

As ye also learned of Epaphras: to maintain the truth, it did much concern them to have a good opinion of him, who was an eminent instrument in communicating it to them, and therefore Paul doth here very opportunely commend Epaphras, in opposition to those false teachers, who likely might insinuate somewhat to his disparagement.

Our dear fellow servant the respect they bare, and relation he stood in to them, being dearly beloved of him for his sincerity in promulgating the gospel; and being engaged with them in the service of the same Master, Col 4:7 Rev 6:11 .

Who is for you a faithful minister of Christ his office, which he discharged with fidelity and affection unto them. He did with all honesty and integrity, as became one intrusted by his Master Christ, discharge what was incumbent on him for their good, Col 4:13 Joh 12:26 1Co 4:1,2 Eph 4:12 1Ti 4:6 Heb 13:17 .

Haydock: Col 1:7 - -- Of Epaphras, who seems to have been their first apostle, and their bishop. (Witham)

Of Epaphras, who seems to have been their first apostle, and their bishop. (Witham)

Gill: Col 1:7 - -- As ye also learned of Epaphras,.... To know the grace of God, believe the truth of the Gospel, and to own and profess it sincerely, Our dear fellow...

As ye also learned of Epaphras,.... To know the grace of God, believe the truth of the Gospel, and to own and profess it sincerely,

Our dear fellow servant; a "servant" of Christ he was, and a "fellow" servant of the apostles, jointly engaged with them in preaching the Gospel; which character, as it greatly commends Epaphras, and shows him to be a very considerable preacher of the word, so it expresses the great humility and condescension of the apostle, in putting him upon a level with himself, though he was not in that high office of the apostleship he was. And "dear" this precious servant of Christ was to him, and his fellow ministers, on account of the grace and gifts bestowed on him, because of his usefulness in the ministry, and his faithfulness and integrity in the discharge of it; and whose company and conversation in the prison greatly endeared him to them, for he was a fellow prisoner, as well as a fellow servant, Phm 1:23. It follows,

who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; one whom Christ had made a "minister" and not man, who was qualified, and sent forth, and made successful by him in his service; and who preached none but Christ, and him crucified, in the business of salvation: and he was a "faithful" one; one that sought not his own glory, but the glory of him that sent him; nor to please men, but his master; who concealed no part of his message, but freely and fully declared the whole; he was faithful to Christ, who put him into the ministry, and to the souls of men, to whom he ministered: and therefore it is said, he was such an one "for you"; for them, not for himself; for their spiritual good and advantage; he sought not theirs, but them; he had a great zeal for them, dearly loved them, and spent his time and strength, and made use of his gifts and talents while among them, for their use and benefit.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Col 1:7 ‡ Judging by the superior witnesses for the first person pronoun ἡμῶν (Jhmwn, “us”; Ì46 א* A B D* F...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Col 1:1-29 - --1 After salutation Paul thanks God for their faith;7 confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;9 prays further for their increase in grace;14 describes the tr...

MHCC: Col 1:1-8 - --All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life. Faith, hope, and love, ...

Matthew Henry: Col 1:3-8 - -- Here he proceeds to the body of the epistle, and begins with thanksgiving to God for what he had heard concerning them, though he had no personal ac...

Barclay: Col 1:2-8 - --Here we are presented with the essence of the Christian life. The fact which delights Paul's heart and for which he gives God thanks is that he has b...

Barclay: Col 1:2-8 - --Col 1:6-8are a kind of summary of what the gospel is and does. Paul has much to say of the hope, to which the Colossians have already listened and w...

Constable: Col 1:3-8 - --B. Thanksgiving 1:3-8 Paul gave thanks to God for his readers frequently. He told them so to enable them to appreciate the fact that he knew of their ...

College: Col 1:1-29 - --COLOSSIANS 1 SALUTATION (1:1-2) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful a brothe...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Colossians (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Colossians From Rome a.d. 63 By Way of Introduction Genuineness The author claims to be Paul (Col_1:1) and there is no real...

JFB: Colossians (Book Introduction) The GENUINENESS of this Epistle is attested by JUSTIN MARTYR [Dialogue with Trypho, p. 311, B.], who quotes "the first-born of every creature," in ref...

JFB: Colossians (Outline) ADDRESS: INTRODUCTION: CONFIRMING EPAPHRAS' TEACHING: THE GLORIES OF CHRIST: THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER FOR THE COLOSSIANS: HIS OWN MINISTRY OF THE MYST...

TSK: Colossians (Book Introduction) Colosse was a large and populous city of Phrygia Pacatiana, in Asia Minor, seated on an eminence to the south of the river Meander. It is supposed to...

TSK: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Col 1:1, After salutation Paul thanks God for their faith; Col 1:7, confirms the doctrine of Epaphras; Col 1:9, prays further for their i...

Poole: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) ARGUMENT God having a church planted in the city of Colosse, (by some since called Chone), situated at the conflux of the rivers Meander and Lycus,...

MHCC: Colossians (Book Introduction) This epistle was sent because of some difficulties which arose among the Colossians, probably from false teachers, in consequence of which they sent t...

MHCC: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) (Col 1:1-8) The apostle Paul salutes the Colossians, and blesses God for their faith, love, and hope. (Col 1:9-14) Prays for their fruitfulness in sp...

Matthew Henry: Colossians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians Colosse was a considerable city of Phrygia, and probably not ...

Matthew Henry: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) We have here, I. The inscription, as usual (Col 1:1, Col 1:2). II. His thanksgiving to God for what he had heard concerning them - their faith, l...

Barclay: Colossians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) Christian Greetings (Col_1:1) The Double Commitment (Col_1:2-8) The Essence Of The Gospel (Col_1:2-8 Continued) The Essence Of Prayer's Request ...

Constable: Colossians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background The city of Colosse lay in the beautiful Lycus Vall...

Constable: Colossians (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-14 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Thanksgiving 1:3-8...

Constable: Colossians Colossians Bibliography Abbott, T. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and...

Haydock: Colossians (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE COLOSSIANS. INTRODUCTION. Colosse was a city of Phrygia, near Laodicea. It does not appear that ...

Gill: Colossians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS The Colossians, to whom this epistle is written, were not the Rhodians, by some called Colossians, from Colossus, the la...

Gill: Colossians 1 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS 1 This chapter contains the inscription of the epistle; the apostle's usual salutation; his thanksgiving to God on behal...

College: Colossians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION THE CITY Colosse had been a thriving and important city several centuries before Christ, but by the time this letter was written its im...

College: Colossians (Outline) OUTLINE SALUTATION - 1:1-2 I. THANKSGIVING - 1:3-8 II. PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE COLOSSIANS - 1:9-14 III. THE HYMN ABOUT CHRIST - 1:15-20 IV. ...

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