I have written of this man before: Epaphras,  a man mentioned by Paul, three times.  

Nonetheless a man who stood apart.  An example for whosoever will, to learn of, and follow.  

We tend to think, the heroes of faith are beyond anything we can achieve.  Here is a real, live, everyman.  We can all aspire to be like, Epaphras. 

A Giant in the Kingdom.   What do we know?

He was:

   《  A fellowservant, with Paul of Christ so:

           ~  Paul and others, gave thanks to God, in prayers, since they, heard of your faith in Christ, and your love of the Saints.

He was:

    《  A faithful minister of Christ:

            ~  Who declared, your love of Christ in the Spirit, to us.

He was:

     《  A faithful Servant of Christ (as are you, at the Colossians Church)

            ~  He labours fervently, for you, in prayers:   That you might, stand perfect and complete, in all the will of God.

     《  Paul himself bears record, that Epaphras has great zeal towards the believers there and in the surrounding area.

He was:

     《  A fellow prisoner, with Paul,  for the Gospel 

Colossians 1:3-8 (KJV)

3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 4:11-13 (KJV)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 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.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Philemon 22-24 (KJV)

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.