The Ministry of Epaphras

Contrary to the command and control assumptions of Anglo-Catholics and others who demand a bishop-priest-deacon hierarchy of ministry stands the ministry of Epaphras. He emerges from the pages of history in Paul's letter to the Christians at Colossae (Colossians 1:7).

Paul did not establish the Colossian church. It appears to have been started by Epaphras. This brother appears to also have started two other churches in the Lycus Valley: Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). Epaphras may have been one of those first 3000 converts to Christianity in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. And/or, he may have been one of those who traveled to Ephesus to hear Paul preach as described in Acts 19:10. But he started three house churches in response to his faithfulness to the call of the Holy Spirit. He was a passionate evangelist.

Some Bibles translate Colossians 1:8 that Epaphras worked on our behalf," as though Paul had established him in his work. But the earliest manuscripts attest that the correct reading should be "on your behalf." He was not appointed by Paul or any other apostle. Epaphras taught "the word of truth, the gospel" (v.5). Paul commends him as a faithful "diakonos." This is not likely the office of deacon, but an acknowledgment of Epaphras' ministry.

So the ministry of Epaphros does not derive initially from any organizational hierarchy. He is not appointed by a bishop. Nor does he claim an office that separates himself from the people. Colossians 4:12 affirms that Epaphras is "one of you." His ministry arises from his identification with those God has given into his care. There is nothing here of the pernicious error of dividing the people of God into clergy and laity, as if ministers are separated from the common folk by dress and calling.

The ministry of Epaphras was first to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Unlike many today who minister to the laity on behalf of Jesus, the Biblical understanding of pastoral ministry was that the under-shepherd ministered to Christ on behalf of his people. Paul writes that Epaphras struggles in prayer on behalf of Christ's people. The goal of his ministry is clear: that his congregation will stand, mature and fully assured in a complete knowledge of God's will. His role is to empower the Colossian Christians to endure despite problems from within and outside of the fellowship.

Epaphras comes to Paul because he needs help, not to do homage. Some ascetics have worked their way into the fellowship and are introducing practices that cause Epaphras concern. He comes to Paul for training and for additional resources.

But even though his church has problems, I love how Epaphras brags on his church. Paul speaks in glowing terms of the wonderful report he receives from Epaphras. How wonderful it is to belong to a fellowship on which one may boast in the Lord.

The ministry of Epaphras is a grass-roots ministry, springing up in the call and care of the Holy Spirit. It does not come to the wider church seeking legitimacy, but additional resources to assist in the accomplishment of a goal that is always before the eyes of this faithful pastor.

I see Epaphras as my model for ministry in these my later years. I attempted to serve Christ within the framework of someone else's top-down authority having been ordained first in the Presbyterian Church and later in the Southern Baptist church. But neither of those ever really bore long-term fruit. But I am comforted and encouraged by Epahras. He helps me to understand my calling, serving Christ as a fellow-struggler within a body of believers that has come together to learn Kingdom koinonia. At some time in the future, the need may arise for someone from our Gathering to seek out an overseer and align with a larger group to help us in our mission, but for now it is enough to experience the good news of the Gospel bearing fruit and growing in grace in a ministry like that of Epaphras.