Colossians 4:17
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Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
say to Archippus--The Colossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed, "Speak ye to Archippus." This proves that Scripture belongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen may profitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so in meekness. BENGEL suggests that Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Church assembly by weak health or age. The word, "fulfil," accords with his ministry being near its close (Col 1:25; compare Plm 1:2). However, "fulfil" may mean, as in Ti2 4:5, "make full proof of thy ministry." "Give all diligence to follow it out fully"; a monition perhaps needed by Archippus. in the Lord--The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christian minister, is to be done (Col 4:7; Co1 7:39; Phi 4:2).
Open source ↗I. He continues his account of the duty of masters, from the close of the former chapter (Col 4:1). II. He exhorts to the duty of prayer (Col 4:2-4), and to a prudent and decent conduct towards those with whom we converse (Col 4:5, Col 4:6). III. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honourable testimony (Col 4:7-18).
Open source ↗4:17 Archippus: See also Phlm 1:2. We have no way of knowing more about the ministry the Lord gave him.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”
By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.