“… just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.” (Colossians 1:7)
Jesus Christ has provided everything necessary for our salvation. His sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to atone for the sins of every single human. Everyone who puts his faith in Jesus, will be saved. But in order to do so, people need to hear the Gospel! As Paul says it, “How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). This is where God involves people in His salvation plan. He told His disciples to spread the good news all around the globe, and this commission is still important since there are still so many people who do not know Jesus Christ!
Paul was a missionary. But he did not work alone. In today’s verse, he mentions Epaphras — not as his servant, but as a beloved fellow servant of Christ. Paul and Epaphras and many other believers of all times and places devote themselves to the spread of the Gospel, as “servants” or “slaves” of the Lord. They want to obey Him unconditionally and to give other people the chance to receive eternal life by faith in Jesus as well.
Are you also a “servant of Christ”?