I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Parallel translations
- WEB For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
- KJV For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
- BSB For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- ESV For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
- NKJV For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
- NASB For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul testifies to Epaphras's deep concern and hard work for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. It matters because it affirms the genuine, wide-reaching care of a faithful gospel minister.
Overview
Paul vouches for Epaphras's 'great zeal' on behalf of the three neighboring Lycus Valley churches. This commendation strengthens Epaphras's standing and reputation among them. It illustrates the costly, earnest care that pastors and intercessors devote to the people of Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Col 2:1For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
- Rom 10:2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
- 2 Cor 8:3For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
- Rev 1:11saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
- Rev 3:14–18“To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God’s creation, says these things:
- Col 4:15–16Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.
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Original language
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