Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίαν
to the ministry
G1248
διακονίαν
to the ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
6 of 13
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παρέλαβες
thou hast received
G3880
παρέλαβες
thou hast received
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
8 of 13
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Philemon 1:2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:Acts 1:17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.2 Timothy 2:2And 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.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
Historical Context
Ministry in first-century church faced constant challenges: persecution, false teaching, internal conflict, personal discouragement. Leaders like Archippus needed encouragement to persevere. Paul's public exhortation through the church provided accountability and support, enlisting congregation to encourage their leader. This models healthy church dynamic where leaders receive support, accountability, and encouragement from those they serve.
Questions for Reflection
- What ministry has God given you that requires renewed diligence and commitment to fulfill?
- How do you support and encourage your church leaders to complete their God-given ministries faithfully?
- What threatens your perseverance in ministry—discouragement, distraction, difficulty—and how do you combat it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Paul singles out Archippus for specific exhortation. "Say to Archippus" (kai eipate Archippō, καὶ εἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ) delivers personal message through church. Archippus appears in Philemon 2 as "fellowsoldier," suggesting significant ministry role, possibly Colossae's pastor after Epaphras left, or leadership position facing discouragement or temptation to quit.
"Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord" (blepe tēn diakonian hēn pareliabes en Kyriō, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ) commands careful attention to divinely assigned service. "That thou fulfil it" (hina autēn plērois, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληρο ῖς) urges completion—not starting well but finishing faithfully. Whatever discouragement, difficulty, or distraction Archippus faced, Paul calls him to persevere and complete his God-given ministry task.