A note from the Pastor’s desk:

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

Colossians 4:17

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Faithful discipleship, if truly lived, is a work that requires daily choice and effort. The previous statement describes faithful discipleship in the good times of life. In times where the disciple experiences challenges, grief, heartache, and conflict, the struggle to live faithful discipleship can reach the point of exhaustion. The Apostle Paul, while writing his letter to the congregation at Colossae, knew this truth and empathized with the state in which believers found themselves. Our study verse this week is a reflection of his understanding and an encouragement for the congregation to strengthen one another. 

At the beginning of this study, the question arises: “Who was Archippus?” Archippus was an important figure in the early church; otherwise, the Apostle would not have mentioned him by name. However, he only appears twice in Scripture. This verse is the first, and Philemon 1:1-2 is the second. Many historians believe he was likely the son of Philemon; while that is unknown, it is clear that he was directly connected to the house church in Colossae. The best understanding we have is that when Epaphras visited the Apostle in Rome and was imprisoned, Archippus stepped into his place as the primary pastor and teacher of the congregation. Archippus took on a heavy burden when he assumed this role. Any pastor’s role is a heavy burden to carry, but this burden was intensified by the false teachings threatening the saints in Colossae. 

The command from the Apostle to Archippus has several layers worthy of examination. First, the verse begins with, “say to Archippus,” which was a command to the congregation rather than the individual. The Apostle is instructing the congregation to encourage, strengthen, and support Archippus in his ministry. The ministry is a stewardship received from God, but it requires the support of the congregation. The minister of any congregation ultimately answers to God, but should not toil in isolation from the congregation. Second, the Apostle says to Archippus to “take heed to the ministry,” which was an instruction the Apostle issued to other young ministers as well. (1 Timothy 4:16) Finally, the Apostle concludes with an instruction to “fulfill it.” The phrase fulfill it carries an image of filling a vessel to the very brim. In other words, the Apostle is encouraging Archippus not to leave anything undone in his ministry. The three components of this instruction were important because the Apostle was telling Archippus and the congregation that Archippus had his full support. He was not a temporary stand-in for Epaphras but was doing the full work of the gospel ministry.

This instruction to the saints at Colossae and Archippus has timeless lessons for the church. The first and most important is mutual accountability within the local church body. The minister is responsible for actively teaching, instructing, correcting, and guiding the congregation. The congregation is responsible for actively supporting, praying, encouraging, and learning from their pastor. Beyond this, the congregation should remember that every believer has received a calling from the Lord and gifts of discipleship. Each is responsible for continuing in good works (Galatians 6:9) and striving to fulfill Jesus’ commandments.

The concluding verses of the Apostle’s letters can often feel confusing and unimportant to the Bible reader. However, when we understand more about men like Archippus, the relevance of the verses becomes apparent. This understanding allows us to take the insights of this verse and apply them as lessons in discipleship today.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah