Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really beautiful and encouraging message from Paul to his protégé, Epaphras. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul is saying: “Epaphras, you are a helper for me, and you’re working hard to look out for us – constantly praying for us – so that we can live a life that perfectly follows God’s will.” Let’s unpack each part: “Colossians 4:12” : This refers to a specific passage in the Bible. It's a chapter within the book of Colossians, which is about living a righteous and holy life. “Epaphras, who is one of you…” : Paul is addressing Epaphras directly – he’s recognizing him as someone close to him. “…a servant of Christ…” : This is really important! “Servant” means someone who loves God and wants to serve Him. It’s a role Paul gives to Epaphras, highlighting his dedication. “…saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you…” : “Salute” means to greet or welcome. So this is a warm greeting! “Always labouring” means he’s constantly working – not just occasionally, but all the time. It shows he's dedicated to helping us. “…in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” : This is the core message. “Stand perfect and complete” means to live a life that’s fully aligned with God’s plan for us. “In all the will of God” means to live according to His purpose – everything He wants us to do, whether it's loving Him, obeying Him, or being good. So, putting it all together: Paul is reminding Epaphras that he's a close friend and helper who is continuously praying for us so we can be fully and perfectly living out the best life possible, according to God’s plan for us. In short, it's a call to constant prayer and dedication to follow God’s will in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a quick analogy to help understand the idea? Discuss what this verse might be saying about living a good life?