Colossians 4:17

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

'AND SAY TO' -'A brief message to' (Phi). Since this message to Archippus is given somewhat indirectly, 'and say to'. Some writers assume that this man may have been preaching in one of the other churches of the Lycus valley at this time.

'ARCHIPPUS' -751. Archippos ar'-khip-pos; from 746 and 2462; horse-ruler; Archippus,. Christian: -Archippus.

-'(ar KIP pus). Since he is mentioned in the letter to Philemon (Philemon 1:2) many conjecture that this man was either Philemon's son or brother.

'TAKE HEED' -'Attend to the duty' (NEB). 'Keep an eye on' (Robertson p. 513)

'TO THE MINISTRY WHICH THOU HAST RECEIVED IN THE LORD, THAT THOU FULFILL IT' -'entrusted to you in the Lord's service, and discharge it to the full' (NEB); 'God called you into His service--Oh, do not fail Him!' (Nor)

Points to Note:

1. The language of this verse resembles 2 Timothy 4:5 'do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.' Which infers that Archippus may have been an evangelist working with the church at Colossae, or the churches in this valley.

2. 'that thou keep on filling it full. It is. life-time job.' (Robertson p. 513)

3. This reveals something about the areas of divine service in which we find ourselves. Christians need to view themselves as servants of Christ, servants who have been given. mission and. task by the Lord (Matthew 25:14 ff). 'Every opportunity must be improved; every responsibility must be accepted.' (Erdman p. 121)

4. Maybe we would be more productive as Christians, more efficient and effective in God's work, if we really realized that God is counting on us!

5. We should note that the congregation at Colossae is called upon to exhort this preacher. We often forget, that the congregation has an obligation to support, and encourage those who are encouraging them (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12). And this is. greatly needed lesson for us in the Church. For, all too often it seems that the mindset of some is to ride preachers and elders, until they quit or resign, instead of encouraging them not to give up!