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Sharing This Letter
16After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.17TellArchippus:“See to itthatyou completetheministryyou have receivedinthe Lord.”18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.…

Treasury of Scripture

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.

Archippus.

Philemon 1:2
And toour beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Take.

Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, Thisis it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Numbers 18:5
And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

2 Chronicles 29:11
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

the ministry.

Acts 1:17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 Corinthians 4:1,2
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God…

fulfil.

2 Timothy 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

ArchippusArchip'pusCarefullyCompleteDischargeDutiesEndFulfilFulfillHeedMayestMinistrationMinistryReceiveReceivedServantWorkArchippusArchip'pusCarefullyCompleteDischargeDutiesEndFulfilFulfillHeedMayestMinistrationMinistryReceiveReceivedServantWork1.He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;
5.to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.
10.He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.

Tell Archippus:
Archippus is mentioned here and inPhilemon 1:2, where he is referred to as a "fellow soldier." This suggests he was a leader or minister in the early church, possibly in Colossae or Laodicea. The personal address indicates his importance and the trust placed in him by Paul. The name Archippus means "master of the horse," which may imply a role of leadership or authority.

See to it that you complete the ministry:
The phrase emphasizes diligence and responsibility in fulfilling one's calling. The Greek word for "complete" suggests bringing something to full measure or perfection. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where believers are accountable for the gifts and tasks entrusted to them (1 Corinthians 4:2). The ministry could involve teaching, pastoral care, or another form of service within the church.

You have received in the Lord:
This underscores the divine origin and authority of Archippus's ministry. It is not a self-appointed role but one given by God, aligning withEphesians 4:11-12, where spiritual gifts and roles are distributed by Christ for the edification of the church. The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the ministry is to be carried out in accordance with Christ's will and purpose, reflecting a life lived in submission to His lordship.

1.Archippus
A fellow worker in the early Christian church, possibly a leader or pastor in the church at Colossae or Laodicea. He is mentioned inPhilemon 1:2 as a "fellow soldier."

2.Colossae
An ancient city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, where the church to which Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians was located.

3.Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Colossians, who is providing instructions and encouragement to the believers in Colossae.

4.The Church at Colossae
The community of believers to whom the letter is addressed, facing challenges from false teachings and needing encouragement in their faith.

5.Ministry
The specific service or work that Archippus is called to complete, which is given by the Lord.Faithfulness in Ministry
Every believer has a ministry or calling from the Lord. Like Archippus, we are called to be faithful and diligent in completing the work God has given us.

Accountability and Encouragement
The church community plays a vital role in encouraging and holding each other accountable. We should support one another in fulfilling our God-given tasks.

Perseverance in Challenges
Ministry can be challenging, but perseverance is crucial. We must rely on God's strength to overcome obstacles and remain committed to our calling.

Recognizing and Using Spiritual Gifts
Identifying and utilizing our spiritual gifts is essential for effective ministry. We should seek to understand how God has uniquely equipped us to serve.

The Importance of Obedience
Completing our ministry requires obedience to God's direction. We must be attentive to His guidance and willing to follow His lead.1.What is the meaning of Colossians 4:17?

2.How can we "complete the ministry" God has given us today?

3.What does Colossians 4:17 teach about personal responsibility in ministry?

4.How does Colossians 4:17 connect with Ephesians 4:12 on equipping the saints?

5.In what ways can we encourage others to fulfill their God-given ministry?

6.How can you discern and act on the ministry God has assigned you?

7.What is the significance of Archippus' ministry mentioned in Colossians 4:17?

8.How does Colossians 4:17 emphasize personal responsibility in Christian service?

9.Why is it important to "see to it" that Archippus fulfills his ministry?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4?

11.Who is Archippus in the Bible?

12.What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?

13.How do the final greetings in Colossians 4:7-18 compare with other Pauline letters, and could inconsistencies suggest multiple authors?

14.Philemon 1 - Does the style, language, and brevity of this letter raise doubts about its authenticity compared to Paul's other writings?Tell Archippus

“Tell Archippus…” (Colossians 4:17)

• The name is called out publicly, signaling that ministry is never merely private. Paul did the same with “Timothy, my true child” (1 Timothy 1:2) and “Epaphroditus, my brother” (Philippians 2:25).

• Archippus is also greeted in Philemon 2 as “our fellow soldier,” showing he already served faithfully. The reminder here urges perseverance, not a new assignment.

• The whole church is enlisted to deliver the message, echoingGalatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens,” because finishing well is a community project.

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See to it

“…See to it…” (Colossians 4:17)

• A present-tense command—ongoing vigilance. Compare “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13) and “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15).

• Ministry drift is real; intentional focus keeps us from neglect (Hebrews 2:1).

• Practical helps:

– Schedule regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).

– Invite accountability, as Paul did with Titus (Titus 1:5).

– Keep eyes on the goal, not the distractions (Luke 9:62).

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That you complete the ministry

“…that you complete the ministry…” (Colossians 4:17)

• God values finishing, not just starting. Paul’s own aim: “so that I may finish my course” (Acts 20:24) and later, “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7).

• Completion involves:

– Faithfulness to doctrine (2 Timothy 1:14).

– Fruitful labor among people (John 15:16).

– Endurance through hardship (James 1:12).

• Incomplete tasks leave gaps in the body (1 Corinthians 12:18-27). Archippus’s obedience would strengthen the whole church at Colossae.

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You have received in the Lord

“…you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17)

• The assignment is a gift, not self-chosen. Paul was “an apostle—sent not from men but through Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:1).

• “Received” emphasizes stewardship; “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

• “In the Lord” grounds the work in Christ’s authority and power (John 15:5).

• Every believer shares this pattern of grace-gifted ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12;1 Peter 4:10). When we serve, we are handling what ultimately belongs to Him.

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summary

Paul’s short charge packs enduring weight: the church must remind each believer—by name if needed—to stay alert, finish the specific work Christ assigned, and remember that every ministry is a trust received from the Lord Himself. Faithful completion glorifies God, strengthens the body, and secures an eternal reward.

(17)Say to Archippus.--Archippus is included in the salutation of the Epistle to Philemon (Philemon 1:1) apparently as a member of his family, and is generally thought to have been his son. He held a "ministry in the Church. The word is the same as the word "diaconate," but it is obviously used in a more general sense, precisely as in the charge to Timothy (2Timothy 4:5), "Make full proof of thy ministry; "and the whole tone of the passage here suggests that, like Timothy's, it was a ministry of some prominence in the Church. Tradition makes him afterwards a bishop of Laodicea; it is likely enough that he had that leadership among the presbyters, from which the episcopate was developed at the close of the Apostolic period. Whether this was at Colossae--his father's native place--or Laodicea, cannot be gathered with any certainty from the context. The exhortation comes in close connection with Laodicea; yet, on the other hand, it seems strange to send through one church a message to a chief pastor of another. In any case this indirect transmission of a charge is curious, standing in marked contrast with the direct personal addresses of the Philippian Epistle (Philippians 4:2-3).

Which thou hast received in the Lord.--Properly,which thou dost receive. The probability seems to be that he received it from St. Paul, or perhaps Epaphras. The phrase is "in the Lord," not "from the Lord." ContrastGalatians 1:12, "I received it not from man, neither was I taught but by revelation of Jesus Christ."

Verse 17. -And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou receivedst in (the)Lord, that thou fulfil it (Acts 20:28;1 Timothy 1:18, 19;1 Timothy 4:6, 11-16;1 Timothy 6:13, 14, 20, 21;2 Timothy 2:15;2 Timothy 4:5). From the connection of this verse with the two preceding, it seems likely that "the ministry" of Archippus related to the Laodicean Church. Hence he is not addressed directly. If he was, as we gather fromPhilemon 1, 2, the son of Philemon, whose house formed a centre for the Colossian Church (Philemon 1:2), the warning would be suitably conveyed through this channel. In the letter to Philemon, the apostle calls him his" fellow soldier" (comp.Colossians 4:10;Philippians 1:29, 30). Both from this fact, and from the emphasis of the words before us, it would appear that his office was an important one, probably that of chief pastor. This warning addressed so early to the minister of the Laodicean Church is premonitory of the lapsed condition in which it is afterwards found (Revelation 3:14-22); see Lightfoot, pp. 42, 43. (For "ministry" (διακονία), comp.Colossians 1:7, 23;1 Corinthians 4:1, etc. For "received," comp. note,Colossians 2:6.) "In the Lord; "for every office in the Church is grounded in him as Head and Lord (Colossians 1:18;Colossians 2:6;Colossians 3:17, 24;Colossians 4:7;Ephesians 1:22;Ephesians 4:5;1 Corinthians 8:6;1 Corinthians 12:5, etc.), and must be administered according to his direction and as subject to his judgment (see1 Corinthians 3:5;1 Corinthians 4:1-5;2 Corinthians 10:17, 18;2 Corinthians 13:10;Galatians 1:1;1 Timothy 1:12;2 Timothy 4:1, 2). "Fulfil" (comp.Colossians 1:26;2 Timothy 4:5;Acts 12:25). This admonition resembles those addressed to Timothy in the Pastoral Epistles.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Tell
εἴπατε(eipate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Archippus:
Ἀρχίππῳ(Archippō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 751:Archippus, a Christian of Colossae. From arche and hippos; horse-ruler; Archippus, a Christian.

“See to it
Βλέπε(Blepe)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

that
ἵνα(hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you complete
πληροῖς(plērois)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4137:From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.

the
τὴν(tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ministry
διακονίαν(diakonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248:Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.

you have received
παρέλαβες(parelabes)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3880:From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord.”
Κυρίῳ(Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Letters: Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus Take heed to the ministry (Coloss. Col Co)