Epaphras
The Gentile Christian preacher Epaphras ( ancient Greek Ἐπαφράς ), the name is a short form of Epaphroditus (Greek Ἐπαφρόδιτος), came from Colossae , one of the three centers of early Christian assemblies in the Lycostal region in Asia Minor . Colossae was in Phrygia , not far from Laodicea and Hierapolis .
Epaphrat is considered to be the (co-) founder of the early Christian community in Kolossai , to which the Epistle to the Colossians , written by Paul , is directed.
Paul, whom he visited while he was imprisoned in Rome and informed about community life in Colossai, calls him a “beloved fellow servant” and “faithful servant of Christ” ( Col 1,7 EU or in the Elberfeld translation ). Epaphras is mentioned in two other places in the New Testament :
- ( Col 4.12 EU or in the Elberfeld translation ) and in
- Philemon letter ( Phlm 23 EU ) as fellow prisoner.
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Epaphras |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Founder of the early Christian community in Kolossai, to which Colossians is directed, Bishop of Kolossai |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1st century |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1st century or 2nd century |