Exposition:
Although Epaphras’ name appears only three times in the Bible; twice in the book of Colossians and once in book of Philemon, his ministry to the Church is simply something that we cannot just overlook. Introduced by Apostle Paul to the Church at Colossae as “one of you”, we are told of his “genuine” concern and also about his “earnest” prayers for the Church. Not only did Epaphras pray for the Church in Colossae but also the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. The Apostle Paul is a witness to this ministry of Epaphras while Epaphras was with him and could attest to it.
This silent ministry by Epaphras is what probably earns him mention in Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, though we are also aware that he was the one, whom the Lord used in establishing this particular Church. It is true that we cannot all be Apostles in the church like Paul, or Pastors or officers like the others in scripture. But we all, as part of God’s royal priesthood can be Epaphras in our little ways, interceding for the Church and its leaders.
You can be that watchman on the walls of Jerusalem that takes no rest until God establishes the city and His saints.