As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
As ye also learned. "Also" is omitted in 'Aleph (') A B C Delta G f g, Vulgate. Those inserting it thought that Paul had preached the Gospel to the Colossians as well as Epaphras; whereas the omission in the oldest manuscripts implies that Epaphras alone founded the church at Colosse. A Colossian (Colossians 4:12), identified by Grotius with Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25).
Of `from Epaphras ' Of - `from Epaphras.'
Dear - `beloved.'
Fellow-servant - namely, of Christ. In Philemon 1:23 he calls him "my fellow-prisoner." Epaphras may have been apprehended for his zealous labours in Asia Minor; but more probably Paul gave him the title as his faithful companion in imprisonment (cf. note, Colossians 4:10).
Who is for you ... х pistos (G4103) huper (G5228) humoon (G5216) diakonos (G1249)] - 'who is faithful in your behalf (in behalf of your spiritual good) as a minister of Christ:' hinting that he is one not to be set aside for the new and erroneous teachers (Colossians 2:1-23.) 'Aleph (') A B Delta G g read 'for us.' Compare Vulgate, support the English version.