Colossians 4:13

For. bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

'FOR. BEAR HIM WITNESS' -'I can vouch for him' (Knox); 'From my own observation. can tell you' (Phi).

'HE HATH MUCH LABOR YOU YOU' -'deep interest' (TCNT); 'he has. real passion for your welfare' (Phi). Notice that real prayer is hard work. It is. "labor". Evidently Paul had either seen and or heard Epaphras making fervent prayers on behalf of these Christians. Paul is always ready to compliment and praise another Christian, when such praise is due.

Point to Note:

Too many people have the attitude that God won't be pleased regardless of what they do or don't do. They have been told that God is unreasonable, unfair and always mad. In contrast, God is always eager to praise His children. In fact, God wants us to do the right thing, so He can rejoice in our accomplishments.

'AND FOR THEM IN LAODICEA, AND FOR THEM IN HIERAPOLIS' -

Points to Note:

1. 'The cities are named in geographical order. Laodicea and Hieropolis faced each other on the north and south sides of the Lycus valley, about six miles apart. Colossae was ten or twelve miles farther up the stream.' (Vincent p. 513)

2. Evidently, Epaphras knew Christians in the whole valley. And also that the dangers threatening the church in Colossae threatened these other congregations as well. 'Apparently there were well-established churches in both cities and Epaphras had, under God, substantially contributed to their life and growth.' (O'Brien p. 254)

3. We should note, that it appears that the churches in this region had somewhat weathered the storm of this false teaching. For some 30 years later in the Revelation letter, we don't find the church at Laodicea being threatened by error. But we do find it being apathetic.

4. What affects one congregation can affect another. Therefore, it is wise for the elders and or preacher to keep on eye on what is disturbing other congregations. Paul is doing. tremendous amount of "preventative" teaching in this letter. One of the best ways to counteract the influence of error, is to strongly and positively preach the truth, before that error arrives.