Colossians 4:17

17. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

Translation and Paraphrase

17. And speak to Archippus (your new minister): See that you fulfill the ministry which you received in the Lord (for His service).

Notes

1.

Paul's final exhortation to the church concerned their minister, Archippus. The church was to encourage him and exhort him to fulfill his ministry. The enthusiasm and effectiveness of a minister is determined to a great degree by the amount of backing and exhortation that his church gives him.

2.

It appears that Archippus was the new (newly-ordained perhaps?) minister at Colossae, replacing Epaphras who was with Paul in Rome. Archippus may well have been the son of Philemon and Apphia. Philemon 1:2.

3.

Two exhortations are given to Archippus, that may well be given to all who undertake the ministry:

(1)

Look to the service;

(2)

Fill it full,

4.

Ministers should not let any work pass by without fulfillment. Make full proof (or fulfill) of thy ministry, (2 Timothy 4:5). Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy progress may be manifest unto all. (1 Timothy 4:15).

5.

Archippus-' ministry had been passed on to him. He had received something transmitted, perhaps from Epaphras.

6.

A ministry is received in the Lord, and not just from men, It is a divine work. We must work as in God's sight. A minister may be held in honor with men for doing half his work, and be in displeasure with God for neglect of the other half.

Study and Review

29.

Who was Archippus? (Colossians 4:17; Philemon 1:2)

30.

What had Archippus received?

31.

What was Archippus told to do?

32.

How did Paul make the closing salutation of this epistle?

33.

What did Paul ask the Colossians to remember? How would this remembering be done?

34.

What was Paul's final wish for the Colossians?