And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
And {G2532} say {G2036} to Archippus {G751}, Take heed {G991} to the ministry {G1248} which {G3739} thou hast received {G3880} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, that {G2443} thou fulfil {G4137} it {G846}.
And tell Archippus, “See that you complete the task you were given in the Lord.”
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
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Philemon 1:2
And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: -
Acts 1:17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. -
Ezekiel 44:23
And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. -
Ezekiel 44:24
And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; [and] they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. -
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. -
2 Timothy 4:1
¶ I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; -
2 Timothy 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Context of Colossians 4:17
This verse is part of the closing remarks and personal greetings in Paul's letter to the Colossians. After instructing the church on living a Christ-centered life and providing practical advice for various groups within the community, Paul concludes with personal salutations and specific instructions. The letter itself emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against various philosophical and religious errors threatening the Colossian church. This particular exhortation to Archippus is a direct, public instruction, indicating the importance of his role and the need for him to remain diligent in his responsibilities. Archippus is also mentioned in Philemon 1:2 alongside Philemon and Apphia, suggesting he may have been a leader in the church at Colossae or the nearby city of Laodicea, or perhaps a minister within Philemon's household.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Colossians 4:17 serves as a timeless reminder for all believers, particularly those in leadership or service roles within the church. Every Christian has a form of "ministry" or service entrusted to them by God, whether it's teaching, serving, giving, or encouraging. This verse calls us to: