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Epaphras: A Christian from Colossae who was probably instrumental in establishing the congregation there. (See study notes on Col 1:7; 4:12.) At the time of Paul’s first imprisonment, Epaphras came to Rome. He likely remained there, for Paul conveys his greetings and refers to him as “my fellow captive in union with Christ Jesus.”

my fellow captive: Or “my fellow prisoner.” Paul uses this Greek term not only of Epaphras but also, in other letters, of Aristarchus, Andronicus, and Junias. (Ro 16:7; Col 4:10) These companions of Paul might actually have been imprisoned with him. However, some suggest that Paul used the term figuratively to indicate that these fellow Christians courageously visited him and spent time with him while he was imprisoned.