Please read the passage before the commentary
This is the beginning of the letter from Paul to the Colossians. Epaphras has brought the gospel to the Colossians; Paul had not. It is closely related to the letters to the Ephesians and Philemon.
Paul begins the letter with a salutation and a blessing. This is similar to the way we used to start our letters, “Dear N, I hope you are well…”
A prayer of thanksgiving follows. In it, Paul thanks God for the faith the Colossians have learned through the work of Epaphras.
Epaphras was another worker of the gospel who, like Paul, spread the word of God though out the ancient world. There was no jealousy between Epaphras and Paul. Both worked for Christ, not gain more converts than the other.
Paul’s letter served to strengthen the faith of the Colossians. This brings up the question about how we support the evangelists of our day? Perhaps we should be prying every day for all those who have preached Christ to others. Perhaps we may disagree with some of their teachings, but Go can move them to a greater and more perfect faith in Jesus. We can thank God for all who preach Christ to others.