Epaphras [N] [H] [S]

lovely, spoken of by Paul ( Colossians 1:7 ;  4:12 ) as "his dear fellow-servant," and "a faithful minister of Christ." He was thus evidently with him at Rome when he wrote to the Colossians. He was a distinguished disciple, and probably the founder of the Colossian church. He is also mentioned in the Epistle to ( Philemon 1:23 ), where he is called by Paul his "fellow-prisoner."