Charles Spurgeon Commentary Colossians 1:7-8

"even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit." — Colossians 1:7-8 (ASV)

As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

I like to read of these godly men speaking well of one another.

Nowadays, it is thought to be a distinguishing mark of faithfulness to be able to pick holes in the coats of our fellow-Christians. Now, we cannot help perceiving their defects, and sometimes it is our duty to speak of them, and to speak of them faithfully, but let us also observe all the virtues that are to be found in them; otherwise, we may despise the work of the Holy Spirit and rob him of his glory.

How kindly Paul speaks of Epaphras, and how kindly Epaphras speaks of the church at Colosse!

As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

Epaphras told them of Paul's prayers for them; and when he came back from Colossae, he told Paul of their great love in the Spirit.