The Apostle Paul was an expert evangelist. He had experience, commitment and perseverance. Through his ministry, many had started to follow Jesus Christ and churches had been planted. Despite imprisonment, he continued preaching and sent teaching letters to many places. So why did he ask the Colossian church to pray for him?
 

This letter to the church, in what is now Western Turkey, had to be delivered. There was no reliable postal service, no electronic communication, only couriers. Although some would have made it their trade to take letters for people they did not know, Paul's message was so precious he sent it with a personal courier, Tychicus. Whenever possible, the apostolic team did not travel alone (Jesus sent them out in pairs); so Onesimus went as well. Both of them had very different backgrounds, but both were described as 'faithful'
 

Epaphras was an evangelist who established the church in Colossae and visited Paul in prison in Rome. He sends personal greetings to his Christian brothers and sisters. But Paul also takes the opportunity to commend Epaphras for his prayer life. What a wonderful friend Epaphras was to the Colossian church. He took prayer very seriously. Indeed he devoted himself to prayer, wrestling over the spiritual issues that beset the church and longing for their full maturity.
 

Archippus was a Christian in the house church in Colossae, which met in the home of Philemon (Philemon 1-2). Some think he may have been Philemon's son, we cannot be sure. However we know that Paul respected him and describes him as a 'fellow soldier'. He had received a special ministry from the Lord, had experienced spiritual warfare and yet stayed strong when trouble came. Paul likens him to a commissioned officer in the army - and gave him the instruction, "Don't quit!"