Contradiction with James 5:16
James instructs to confess faults to one another and pray for each other, emphasizing a communal approach rather than the solitary labor in prayer mentioned in Colossians 4:12.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:5
Jesus warns against praying in ways to be seen by others, contrasting with the public prayerful labor described for Epaphras in Colossians 4:12.
Matthew 6:5: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:14
Paul discusses speaking in a tongue which does not engage the mind, differing from the laborious prayer mentioned in Colossians 4:12 which implies mindful devotion.
1 Corinthians 14:14: For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Contradiction with Luke 18:10-14
Jesus’ parable emphasizes humility in prayer, which may contrast with the intense labor in prayer emphasized in Colossians 4:12.
Luke 18:10-14: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Contradiction with Matthew 26:41
Jesus warns to watch and pray to avoid temptation, which may seem less intense than the described laboring fervently in prayer in Colossians 4:12.
Matthew 26:41: He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Contradiction with Romans 8:26
The Spirit helps in our weakness when we do not know what we ought to pray for, contrasting with the knowing and specific prayerful labor in Colossians 4:12.
Romans 8:26: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.