Epaphras

Epaphras was a Christian from Colossae who lived with the apostle Paul during Paul's house arrest in Rome. He rescued the injured runaway Onesimus and Nicholas Adamsworth from a slave catcher by leading them through the sewers to Paul's home. Because the house was not his, Epaphras could not personally grant Onesimus sanctuary, but he still offered immediate protection and brought him to someone who could help. Weeks later, Epaphras welcomed Nicholas back and explained that Onesimus had become a believer and a valuable helper to Paul. He joined the witnesses gathered for Onesimus's baptism before the runaway returned to face Philemon. Resourceful, hospitable, and loyal, Epaphras helped create the safe place where Onesimus encountered mercy and chose to make his wrongs right.