Colossians 4:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

NIV: Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'

NASB: Tell Archippus, 'See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.'

CSB: And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."

NLT: And say to Archippus, 'Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.'

KJV: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

NKJV: And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

The final individual Paul mentions is Archippus, sending him an encouragement to "fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." Archippus was likely the son of Philemon and Apphia (Philemon 1:2). There he was called a "fellow soldier" in the church that met in Philemon's house. Paul must have had some connection with Archippus in the past, whether directly or through Epaphras. Given that Paul had plans to visit Philemon in person (Philemon 1:22), it's likely he had met Archippus face-to-face.

In this verse Paul encourages this young minister to "fulfill" or complete his ministry. Like all legitimate ministers, Archippus' service was an obligation given to him by God. He had received it and was expected to stand strong in the faith. Paul would later offer similar words in personal letters to Timothy and Titus. Paul is known for his investment in younger leaders and encouraging the next generation of believers to stand strong in the faith.

Colossians 4:7–18 ends Paul's letter to the believers at Colossae in his typical fashion. Most of Paul's letters begin with an introduction, transition from ideas into applications, and then end with general news and greetings. Here, Paul specifically mentions the town of Laodicea, which was about 12 miles away from Colossae. He also refers to several fellow Christians, some of whom are mentioned in other letters as well, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke.

The first verse of chapter 4 is actually the last thought from Paul's prior comments about bondservants and masters. After this, Paul gives the Christian perspective on conversation. The way believers speak has a large impact on the effectiveness of our message. Paul then ends his letter with news and messages between various Christian ministers. Among these are names which Paul mentions again in other letters, such as Tychicus, Epaphras, Archippus, and Onesimus.

Prior chapters in this letter established the supremacy of Christ, provided counters to false teaching, and gave instructions for Christian living. Chapter 4 completes these instructions with a general command regarding Christian conversation. Paul then ends the letter with news and comments related to various fellow Christian believers. This follows the general pattern for Paul's letters: introduction, theory, application, personal news and farewell.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 5/3/2024 10:23:06 PM