Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.
17. say to Archippus ] Probably the son of Philemon (cp. Phm 1:2, and notes, and Lightfoot, Colossians &c., pp. 374, 5). He was apparently an ordained minister in the mission-church, either at Coloss or (less probably, surely; see on Phm 1:2) at Laodicea. St Paul, perhaps, had misgivings about his zeal and care, and, without saying as much, aims here at his conscience through his flock. Or, quite possibly, Archippus had been appointed to take the place of Epaphras when Epaphras left for Rome; and this warning bears only on the thought that his work was just beginning. See further below, p. 152. In those simple days such an appeal through the people to the pastor was easy; “lordship over God’s heritage” (1Pe 5:3) was no part of the Apostles’ programme of the pastorate.
the ministry] Diaconia; Latin Versions, ministerium. The word in itself has no necessary reference to an ordained “ministry.” But the context here makes such a reference at least highly probable; Archippus evidently stood out as a “ worker ” in a sense quite special and deeply sacred. On the other hand, the reference is probably not to the “diaconate” (Php 1:2; 1Ti 3:8, &c.) specially. In Laodicea, as in Philippi, there might well be more than one “deacon.” And the deacon’s office, while sacred and important, was scarcely such as to occasion this solemnity of appeal. Archippus, we believe, was (at least for the time) the chief “pastor and teacher” (Eph 4:12) of Coloss.
which thou hast received ] Lit. and better, didst receive. Cp. Act 14:23; Tit 1:5. And for St Paul’s own “reception of ministry,” and his ideal of it, see Act 20:24.
in the Lord ] Pregnant words. It was only as a man in union with Christ that he had “ received,” and could “ fulfil,” his ministry.
fulfil it ] Lit., fill it full; so that his “ works should be found filled before God ” (Rev 3:2). No duty of his ministry was to be ignored; he was to “take heed to himself, his doctrine, and his flock” (Act 20:28; 1Ti 4:16). “A minister of Christ is often in highest honour with men for the performance of one half of his work, while God is regarding him with displeasure for the neglect of the other half” (R. Cecil, quoted by Abp Trench, on Rev 3:2).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And say to Archippus – Archippus is mentioned also in Phm 1:2. He is not elsewhere referred to in the New Testament, and nothing further is known of him.
Take heed to the ministry … – The Greek here is, ten diakonian – meaning the office of ministering in divine things; but it is not certain precisely what office he held there. It seems probable from the language which the apostle applies to him – the ministry – (compare Act 1:17, Act 1:25; Act 6:4; Act 20:24; Act 21:19; Rom 11:13; 1Co 12:5; 2Co 3:7-9; 2Co 4:1; 2Co 5:18; 2Co 6:3; Eph 4:12), that he was not a deacon, properly so called, but that he was a preacher of the word. In Phm 1:2, he is mentioned by Paul as his fellow-soldier, and it is evident that the apostle meant to speak of him with honor. There is no evidence, as has been supposed by some, that he intended to imply, by what he said, that he had been remiss in the performance of his duties, but the apostle doubtless meant to encourage him and to excite him to increased ardor and zeal in the work of the Lord; compare the notes at Act 20:28. It is always proper to caution even the most faithful and self-denying servants of the Lord to take heed, or see to it, that they perform their duties with fidelity. The office of the ministry is such, and the temptations to unfaithfulness are so great, that we need constant watchfulness.
That thou fulfil it – That there be nothing wanting, or lacking, in any of the departments of labor which you are called to perform.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Col 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry.
Often men who were once faithful grow negligent in the ministry.
1. Sometimes from discouragements from their people, either because they profit not, or because they weary their teachers.
2. Sometimes this comes from the corruption of their own natures; they grow soon weary of Gods work, or, having taken more work to do than they are sufficient for, they grow to neglect all; or they are drawn away with the love of the world.
3. Sometimes God Himself for the wickedness of their lives casts a barrenness upon their hearts, and blasteth their gifts. In this exhortation four things may be noted.
I. Who is he that is exhorted? Say to Archippus. This teaches us that–
1. The sinner must be told of his sin (Lev 19:17).
2. Such as offend publicly must be told of it publicly.
3. Ministers as well as others may be rebuked, though some clergymen are so sore and so proud, that they may not be touched; and many times it is a just judgment of God that no man should rebuke them. No mans learning or greatness of place can so protect them, but that they may be told of their faults; it is too commonly known they can sin as well as others; why, then, should they not be rebuked as well as others?
4. The people may put their teachers in mind of their faults; as they ought to encourage them in well-doing, so may they admonish them for what is evil.
5. Ministers must be told of their faults by their people with great reverence, and heedfulness, and wisdom, according to that direction: Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father.
6. They must say it to him, not say it of him. Ministers ought not to be traduced behind their backs.
7. He doth not threaten him if he do not, which implies he hoped their exhortation would speed; certainly it is a great praise to profit by admonition.
II. The matter charged upon him. Take heed to thy ministry. Note–
1. Consideration, a weighing and meditation of the greatness of the function, of the dignity of it, and the duty also, with the accounts he must make to God and His high calling and the great price of souls, etc.
2. Divers of the worthy qualities of a minister, as care, attendance, watchfulness, aptness to teach, and divide the word aright; discretion, to give every one his portion; diligence, gentleness, in not marring the doctrine with passion; patience to endure the work and labour of his ministry, etc.
3. Caution, and so ministers must take heed both of
(1) what is within them of their own divinations, of idleness, of the objections of their own flesh, and the temptations of the devil.
(2) Without them they must take heed of the new errors that will daily rise; of the sins of the people, with all the methods of Satan in devising, committing, or defending of sin, of mens fancies; and for persons, they must take heed of hypocrites, and open adversaries, domestical vipers, and foreign foes, false brethren, and professed idolaters.
III. The reason by which it is urged. Which thou hast received in the Lord.
1. Because it is Gods free grace that he is chosen to be a minister (Rom 5:1).
2. Because he is inwardly called and qualified by God.
3. Because he received his outward authority, though from men, yet by direction and warrant of Gods Word.
4. Because he receives it for the Lord–that is to Gods glory, and the furtherance of His kingdom, over the mystical body of Christ. The use is threefold. First, the people should therefore learn to seek their ministers of God. Secondly, ministers should hence learn not to be proud, for they received their ministry of God; it was His gift, not their deserts; not idle, for they are to do Gods work. Thirdly, ministers may hence gather their own safety notwithstanding the oppositions of the world, that God that called them will perfect them.
IV. To fulfil it.
1. By constancy, holding out in it to the end, to go on, and not look back when they are at plough.
2. By faithful performance of it with a due respect of all the charge they have received of God, thus to fulfil it is to show the people all the counsel of God; it is to rebuke all sorts of sins and sinners; it is faithfully to do every kind of work that belongs to their ministry whether public or private. (N. Byfield.)
The ministry of Archippus
It is probable that Archippus was a young pastor recently appointed to the Church at Laodicea. Already signs of slackened zeal began to appear, which afterwards culminated in the state of lukewarmness for which this Church was denounced (Rev 3:19)
. The condition of preacher and people react upon each other; the Church takes its colour from, and communicates it to its pastor. Hence the apostle, well knowing the perils surrounding the inexperienced Archippus, sends to him this timely warning to take heed to his ministry. He is reminded of–
I. The direct authority of the ministry. In the Lord.
II. The implied dangers of the ministry. Take heed.
III. The imperative personal demands of the ministry. That thou fulfil it. (G. Barlow.)
Archippus and his ministry
A sharp message that, and especially sharp as being sent through others. If this Archippus were a member of the Church at Colossae, it is remarkable that Paul should not have spoken to him directly, as he did to Euodia and Syntyche (Php 4:2)
. But it is by no means certain that he was. He is named in the Epistle to Philemon in such immediate connection with the latter and his wife Apphia, that he has been supposed to be their son. At all events, he was intimately associated with the Church in the house of Philemon, who, as we know, was a Colossian. But, on the other hand, the difficulty referred to, and the fact that the whole section is concerned with Laodicea, points to the conclusion that Archippus, though perhaps a native and even resident at Colossae had his ministry in connection with a neighbouring Church. But what does it matter where he worked? Not very much perhaps; and yet one cannot but read this grave exhortation to a man who was evidently getting languid and negligent, without remembering what we hear about Laodicea and its angel when next we meet it. It is not impossible that Archippus may have received the message more awful than Pauls. Because thou art neither hot nor cold, etc. Be that as it may–
I. Each of us has a ministry, or sphere of service. We may fill it full, with earnest devotion and patient heroism, as some expanding gas fills out the silken round of its containing vessel, or we may breathe into it only enough to occupy a little portion, while all the rest hangs empty and flaccid.
II. A sacred motive enhances the obligation. We have received it in the Lord. In union with Him it has been laid upon us. No earthly hand has imposed it, nor does it arise from mere earthly relationships.
III. There must be diligent watchfulness to fulfil our ministry.
1. We have to take heed to our service, reflect upon it, its extent, nature, imperativeness, the manner of discharging it, and the means of fitting us for it. We have to keep it before us. Unless we are absorbed in it, we shall not fulfil it.
2. We have to take heed to ourselves, ever feeling our weakness and the strong antagonisms in our own natures which hinder our dis charge of the plainest and most imperative duties.
3. Let us remember, too, that if we begin, like Archippus, to be a little languid and perfunctory in our work, we may end where the Church at Laodicea ended. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
The Christian ministry
I. The Christian ministry is a solemn and responsible trust.
1. It is Divine in its bestowal. Received in the Lord.
2. It is personal in its responsibility. Which thou hast received.
3. It involves the communication of good to others. Ministry.
4. It has a special aspect of importance for the individual minister. The Ministry.
II. The Christian ministry demands unswerving: fidelity in accomplishing its lofty mission. That thou fulfil it.
1. Divine truth must be clearly apprehended and profoundly realized.
2. The whole truth must be declared.
3. The declaration of truth must be full and courageous.
III. The Christian ministry is surrounded by peculiar perils. Take heed. A shrewd and ever wakeful vigilance is needed against–
1. The stealthy encroachments of error.
2. The pernicious influences of the world.
3. The subtle temptations to unfaithfulness. (G. Barlow.)
Ministers must look to Christ their Master for direction
At the battle of Lake Erie, when, in the sweeping havoc which was sometimes made, a number of men were shot away from around a gun, the survivors looked silently around to Perry, and then stepped into their places. When he looked at the poor fellows who lay wounded and weltering on the deck, he always found their faces turned towards him, and their eyes fixed on his countenance. In the midst of trials and labours the minister should keep his eyes on the great Leader, Christ.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 17. Say to Archippus] Who this person was we cannot tell; there have been various conjectures concerning him; some think he was bishop, or overseer of the Church at Colosse, in the absence of Epaphras. Whatever he was, it has been supposed that he had been remiss in discharging the duties of his office; and hence this direction of the apostle, which appears here in the light of a reprehension. But if the same person be meant as in the Epistle to Philemon, Phm 1:2, whom St. Paul calls his fellow labourer and fellow soldier, it cannot be supposed that any reproof is here intended; for, as the Epistle to the Colossians, and that to Philemon, were evidently written about the end of the year 62, Archippus could not be a fellow labourer and fellow soldier of the apostle at Rome, and yet a delinquent at Colosse at the same time. It is more likely, therefore, that the words of the apostle convey no censure, but are rather intended to stir him up to farther diligence, and to encourage him in the work, seeing he had so much false doctrine and so many false teachers to contend with.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He also enjoins them to advise or advertise Archippus, whom he doth elsewhere call his fellow soldier, i.e. minister in the gospel, Phm 1:2, on his and Timothys behalf, to see to, or be mindful of, the nature of that excellent ministry he had undertaken, Rom 11:13; Eph 3:7; 1Ti 4:6; yea, and to be more heedful, Act 20:28,29; 1Pe 5:1,2, considering the authority of the Lord Jesus, in whose name he had been called to it, and intrusted with it, Mat 9:38; Phi 1:17; 1Ti 5:1,21; having been colleague to Epaphras, or in his absence newly received into this sacred charge, to encourage him to a faithful discharge of his duty therein, to fill up all the parts of his office, and leave none of them unperformed: see Col 1:25; 1Co 9:16,17; 1Ti 4:16, with 2Ti 4:5.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
17. say to ArchippusTheColossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed,”Speak ye to Archippus.” This proves that Scripturebelongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen mayprofitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so inmeekness. BENGEL suggeststhat Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Churchassembly by weak health or age. The word, “fulfil,” accordswith his ministry being near its close (Col1:25; compare Phm 2).However, “fulfil” may mean, as in 2Ti4:5, “make full proof of thy ministry.” “Giveall diligence to follow it out fully”; a monition perhaps neededby Archippus.
in the LordThe elementin which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christianminister, is to be done (Col 4:7;1Co 7:39; Phi 4:2).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And say to Archippus,…. A name common among the Grecians. This person the apostle calls his fellow soldier, in Phm 1:2 and who was now the minister of the Gospel at Colosse, his fellow minister, or co-pastor Epaphras, being at Rome, and a prisoner there; though by some he is said to be the first bishop of the Laodiceans, but it seems most likely that he now resided at Colosse, and was their minister: who being negligent in his office, they are called upon to say unto him,
take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,
that thou fulfil it. The “ministry” he had, was not that of the office of a deacon, as some have thought, but of a preacher of the word; and this he had “received” gifts for, and was called unto it, and installed in it; and that “in”, and “by the Lord” himself, and to whom he was accountable for it: and therefore it was incumbent on him to “fulfil it”; by constantly preaching the word, and faithfully administering the ordinances; by defending truth, detecting error, reproving vice, visiting the sick, and comforting the feeble minded; taking heed in all things to himself and doctrine, that he feed the whole flock of God with wholesome food; and, as a wise and faithful steward, give to everyone their portion of meat in due season: hence it appears, that when ministers are negligent in the discharge of their duty, the church has a power to admonish and exhort them to a diligent performance of it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Take heed (). Keep an eye on.
Thou hast received in the Lord ( ). Second aorist active indicative of , the verb used by Paul of getting his message from the Lord (1Co 15:3). Clearly Archippus had a call “in the Lord” as every preacher should have.
That thou fulfil it ( ). Present active subjunctive of , “that thou keep on filling it full.” It is a life-time job.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And say to Archippus” (kai epiate Archippo) and tell Archippus;” or encourage Archippus, a minister who may have been at Laodicea, Phm 1:2.
2) “Take heed to the ministry” (Blepete ten diakonian) “look to (keep your eye on) the ministry;” put it first foremost always, as he admonished the elders gathered at Ephesus, Act 20:28. Give yourself wholly to it, 1Ti 4:15.
3) “Which thou hast received in the Lord” (hen parelabes en kurio) “which thou receivedst, in (the) Lord” alongside or from the calling of the Lord, 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:6; Act 20:24.
4) “That thou fulfill it” (hina autea plerois) “in order that thou mayest fulfill it;” to fulfill the ministry, — (a) fight the good fight, (b) finish the course laid out, and (c) to keep (guard) the faith, trust, or system of teachings committed to the ordained ministry, leads to great rewards, 2Ti 4:7-8, as surely as to “all them” that love the appearing of the Lord, Heb 9:27-28; 1Jn 3:1-3.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
17 Say to Archippus. So far as I can conjecture, this Archippus was, in the mean time, discharging the office of pastor, during the absence of Epaphras; but perhaps he was not of such a disposition as to be sufficiently diligent of himself without being stirred up. Paul, accordingly, would have him be more fully encouraged by the exhortation of the whole Church. He might have admonished him in his own name individually; but he gives this charge to the Colossians that they may know that they must themselves employ incitements, (482) if they see their pastor cold, and the pastor himself does not refuse to be admonished by the Church. For the ministers of the word are endowed with signal authority, but such at the same time as is not exempt from laws. Hence, it is necessary that they should shew themselves teachable if they would duly teach others. As to Paul’s calling attention again (483) to his bonds, he intimates by this that he was in no slight degree afflicted. For he was mindful of human infirmity, and without doubt he felt some twinges of it in himself, inasmuch as he was so very urgent that all pious persons, should be mindful of his distresses. It is, however, no evidence of distrust, that he calls in from all quarters the helps that were appointed him by the Lord. The subscription, with his own hand, means, as we have seen elsewhere, that there were even then spurious epistles in circulation, so that it was necessary to provide against imposition. (484)
END OF THE COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS.
(482) “ Qu’eux — mesmes aussi doyuent faire des remonstrances et inciter leur pasteur;” — “That they must themselves employ remonstrances and stir up their pastor.”
(483) Paul had previously made mention of his bonds, in the 3 verse of the chapter. — Ed.
(484) “ Que des lors on faisoit courir des epistres a faux titre, et sous le nom des seruiteurs de Dieu: a laquelle meschancete il leur estoit force de remedier par quelque moyen;” — “That even then they put into circulation epistles under a false title, and in the name of the servants of God: to which wickedness he was under the necessity of employing a remedy by some means.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
17. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.
Translation and Paraphrase
17. And speak to Archippus (your new minister): See that you fulfill the ministry which you received in the Lord (for His service).
Notes
1.
Pauls final exhortation to the church concerned their minister, Archippus. The church was to encourage him and exhort him to fulfill his ministry. The enthusiasm and effectiveness of a minister is determined to a great degree by the amount of backing and exhortation that his church gives him.
2.
It appears that Archippus was the new (newly-ordained perhaps?) minister at Colossae, replacing Epaphras who was with Paul in Rome. Archippus may well have been the son of Philemon and Apphia. Phm. 1:2.
3.
Two exhortations are given to Archippus, that may well be given to all who undertake the ministry:
(1)
Look to the service;
(2)
Fill it full,
4.
Ministers should not let any work pass by without fulfillment. Make full proof (or fulfill) of thy ministry, (2Ti. 4:5). Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy progress may be manifest unto all. (1Ti. 4:15).
5.
Archippus ministry had been passed on to him. He had received something transmitted, perhaps from Epaphras.
6.
A ministry is received in the Lord, and not just from men, It is a divine work. We must work as in Gods sight. A minister may be held in honor with men for doing half his work, and be in displeasure with God for neglect of the other half.
Study and Review
29.
Who was Archippus? (Col. 4:17; Phm. 1:2)
30.
What had Archippus received?
31.
What was Archippus told to do?
32.
How did Paul make the closing salutation of this epistle?
33.
What did Paul ask the Colossians to remember? How would this remembering be done?
34.
What was Pauls final wish for the Colossians?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(17) Say to Archippus.Archippus is included in the salutation of the Epistle to Philemon (Phm. 1:1) apparently as a member of his family, and is generally thought to have been his son. He held a ministry in the Church. The word is the same as the word diaconate, but it is obviously used in a more general sense, precisely as in the charge to Timothy (2Ti. 4:5), Make full proof of thy ministry; and the whole tone of the passage here suggests that, like Timothys, it was a ministry of some prominence in the Church. Tradition makes him afterwards a bishop of Laodicea; it is likely enough that he had that leadership among the presbyters, from which the episcopate was developed at the close of the Apostolic period. Whether this was at Colosshis fathers native placeor Laodicea, cannot be gathered with any certainty from the context. The exhortation comes in close connection with Laodicea; yet, on the other hand, it seems strange to send through one church a message to a chief pastor of another. In any case this indirect transmission of a charge is curious, standing in marked contrast with the direct personal addresses of the Philippian Epistle (Php. 4:2-3).
Which thou hast received in the Lord.Properly, which thou dost receive. The probability seems to be that he received it from St. Paul, or perhaps Epaphras. The phrase is in the Lord, not from the Lord. Contrast Gal. 1:12, I received it not from man, neither was I taught but by revelation of Jesus Christ.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
17. Say to Archippus An office-bearer in the Colossian Church, whose duties are not easy to be defined, because of the wide scope of the word ministry. Quite likely he was a deacon. From the association of him with Philemon and Apphia in the inscription to the Epistle to Philemon, we very naturally infer that Archippus was a member of their family. It has been suggested that he may have been their son. The apostle there calls him his “fellow-soldier.” The two epistles being written at the same time, the epithet there given is inconsistent with the reprehension for negligence, which some suppose intended in the present passage. It seems rather a hearty word of encouragement and stimulation from a soul full of fire to a young minister to do his best.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it.’
We do not know why Archippus is picked out. He is called a ‘fellow-soldier’ (Phm 1:2), which suggests Paul had confidence in him, and he may have been the particular leader in the Colossian church whom Paul felt had the ability to sway things, and to whom he wished to give encouragement. This would explain his mention here as it would give him added authority. Or he may have been someone well known to Paul, possibly even set apart by Paul by the laying on of hands, and related to Philemon who clearly owed his conversion to Paul (Phm 1:19). Or he could have been a prominent teacher who had been affected by the local heresy whom Paul is calling back to his duty. But the important thing is that he has received a ministry ‘in the Lord’ and is now charged to fulfil it.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Col 4:17. Say to Archippus, &c. This seems an intimation that Archippus was not so diligent and active in the prosecution of his ministry as could have been wished. Dr. Heylin says he then performed the pastoral office among the Colossians, instead of Epaphras the bishop, who was detained at Rome.
Inferences.How happy will particular persons, families, and larger societies be, if the apostolic maxims of our apostle, concerning the relative duties, be carefully pursued, while wives are submissive to their husbands, and husbands affectionate to their wives; children obedient to their parents, and parents tenderly careful of their children; servants revering the commands of their masters, and conscientiously and constantly attending to their interests; and masters concerned to maintain all equity in their behaviour to their servants, and especially towards those of their servants who are most entirely in their power; remembering on all sides the account to be given to the Supreme Master in heaven, and humbly looking for the reward of the inheritance.
To engage a steady and uniform care in all these various duties, and to make us truly good in every relation of life, let us daily be drawing down grace from God by continuing instant in prayer; and, as our spirits are so ready to grow cold and indifferent in it, let us watch thereunto, lest by insensible degrees we grow remiss in the performance, and from that remissness come entirely or frequently to neglect it.
And let every mercy that we receive from God, awaken our thankfulness, and animate our devotion! and let us not forget in our prayers the ministers of Christ; but ask for them those assistances from on high, which may enable them to open their mouth boldly, in declaring that mysterious and important doctrine with which they are charged, and on which the salvation of immortal souls depends.
To enforce their labours as much as possible, let us add the influence of a regular and amiable behaviour, conducting ourselves with wisdom towards all, and particularly towards those who are strangers to religion; and redeeming time, as those who know its infinite importance, because they see eternity connected with it. And that we may not, as is so frequent, lose the time we spend in conversation, let us seek more of the salt of Divine grace in our hearts, to correct and destroy their innate corruption, and learn the happy art of improving discourse well, and of answering others in such a manner, that, without dictating to them, we may gently lead them to the most useful reflections, and make our lips, like those of the righteous, a fountain of life unto them. (Pro 10:11.)
Again. The friendly disposition of St. Paul fails not to shew itself in the close, as well as entrance of every epistle, and indeed runs through all the parts of each. It cannot but give some pleasure to the pious reader, to whom the memory of such a servant of Christ will always be precious, to find that there were some even of the circumcision, who were comforts to him in his affliction; as well as that John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, was so thoroughly reconciled, and made one of his most agreeable and useful friends; though there was a time when St. Paul thought it inconsistent with prudence and duty to admit him as a companion. He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. (Pro 28:23.) And if the faithfulness of plain rebukes may be the means of recovering our brethren to a sense of their duty, they will no doubt be sensible of the obligation, and it will add firmness and endearment to future friendship.
When Epaphras was at a distance from his brethren at Colosse, he was not only praying for them, but, as the word signifies, wrestling with God in his prayers on their account, a very strong evidence of his Christian affection for them. And how well were his petitions chosen!that they might not only be sincerely good, as they already were, but perfect and complete in all the will of God; that there might be, in their hearts and actions, a more entire conformity to it. May that be our character and happiness, to have respect to all God’s commandments, and to carry our regards to them as far as we possibly can.
Commendable, and perfectly consistent with the strictest modesty, was the concern which the Apostle expresses, that his Epistles might be diffused as far as possible, and the Christians, in different societies, might receive the benefit of them. And, indeed, they turn so much upon matters of universal moment, that they are admirably calculated for the edification of those who may live in the most distant countries and ages; and surely there cannot be a more sacrilegious attempt upon Christian liberty and piety, than to take them away from the common people, to whom St. Paul expressly ordered they should be publicly read: nor can there be greater madness than to pretend to guard men from error and heresy, by concealing from them writings which the Holy Spirit himself dictated, to lead them to truth and holiness.
We know not what there might be so particular in the character or circumstances of Archippus, as to require the solemn admonition with which the epistle closes. But whatever the occasion of it was, it certainly suggests a most useful and important thought to all the ministers of the gospel. It is of the Lord Jesus Christ that they receive their ministry; and to him they are quickly to render a strict account of it. May they all therefore take heed to it! May they be sensible of the importance of the trust, and, through grace, be faithful in it; that they may give up their account with the joy of that steward, who, having approved his fidelity on earth, shall receive his reward in heaven. Amen!
REFLECTIONS.1st. As to the duty of masters. Give unto your servants that which is just and equal, not treating them tyrannically, nor laying on them unreasonable burdens, but using them kindly, giving them proper provisions, paying them their wages punctually, according to agreement, and as much as they really deserve, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven, to whom you are responsible, and who regardeth the persons of the rich no more than the poor.
2nd, The Apostle, having laid down the particular duties of each station, proceeds to those that more generally belong to all the members of Christ’s church. He exhorts them,
1. To unceasing prayer. Continue in prayer daily, at stated seasons, and habitually in your mind looking up to God; and watch in the same with thanksgiving, engaged in the service with warm affections and intenseness of mind, blessing and praising God for his goodness continually; withal, praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, and give us both opportunity and ability to speak the mystery of Christ, his rich, free, and boundless grace, revealed to Gentiles as well as Jews, for maintaining which I am also now in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, plainly and without reserve, maintaining the equality of the Gentiles respecting all, the privileges of the gospel, and keeping back nothing of all the counsel of God, as becomes a faithful ambassador of Christ. Note; ministers need their people’s prayers, and should be constantly remembered by them in the view of their arduous work.
2. To a becoming behaviour towards those who are as yet out of the pale of the visible church. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, with all prudence and circumspection, giving them no just occasion of offence, guarding against all fellowship with them in what is evil, while ready to every good word and work to do them service; redeeming the time, desiring to improve every opportunity of converse with them for their benefit, doing good to your very enemies, and employing your whole life as usefully as you can.
3. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, edifying, discreet, and savoury, the proof of true grace in your own hearts, and the means of communicating it to others; that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man, whether the serious inquiries of those who desire instruction, the doubts of the scrupulous, or the cavils of adversaries.
3rdly, The Apostle closes his Epistle with the commendation and respectful mention of several of his brethren, who joined in salutations with him.
1. Tychicus. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, the bearer of this Epistle, who will give you a faithful account of my affairs, sufferings, and success; and is a beloved brother in the gospel, and a faithful minister, proved by long experience, and fellow-servant with me in the Lord, to promote the interests of his cause and kingdom: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and bring me word how you prosper, and comfort your hearts under all your trials and sufferings for the sake of Christ and his gospel.
2. Onesimus. With Onesimus, Tychicus’s companion, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you, and now far different from the man who formerly fled his master’s service (See the Epistle to Philemon). They shall make known unto you all things which are done here, for your comfort and encouragement, who cannot but rejoice to hear what supports I receive, and what a blessing is on my bonds.
3. Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him). It appears hereby, that though Mark was once under the Apostle’s displeasure, he was now restored to his good graces; and, having acknowledged his fault, had been heartily forgiven, and cordially received again: And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision; these only of the Jewish brethren, are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me under my sufferings.
4. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ in the gospel, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, as in an agony wrestling with God for a blessing upon your souls, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God, enlightened with the clearest discoveries of divine truth, and steadfast in the experience and practice of all holiness. For I hear him record that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Probably this faithful servant of Jesus had been chiefly instrumental in planting these churches, and therefore bore them a very particular affection. Note; (1.) Those whom we have begotten in the gospel, we should not fail earnestly to commend to God’s keeping and care; zeal for them will make our prayers importunate. (2.) Every true believer, who is not losing ground in the divine life, is at least going on to perfection:if he at present fall short of the mark, he is ardently pressing after it with all the powers of his soul.
5. Luke, the beloved physician, by profession a physician for the body, but who now dispenses in the gospel healing for the soul, and Demas greet you, wishing you the richest mercies of our God.
6. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Probably there the faithful assembled for their stated worship; or his family, remarkable for their regularity, exemplariness, and daily worship of God, appeared a little church within themselves. And when this Epistle is read amongst you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the Epistle from Laodicea. (See the analysis and critical notes.) Note; Religious letters are often singularly useful.
7. And say to Archippus, who had need to be peculiarly watchful over the flock, when seducers so abounded, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it with all zeal and fidelity, maintaining the doctrines of grace against all opposers, and adorning them in his conversation, building up the souls committed to his care in the true faith of the gospel, labouring earnestly for the edification of the saints, and for the conversion of sinners. Note; They who are put in trust with the ministry, have a peculiarly important charge committed to them; and, if they grow cold or careless, their people may and ought, with becoming respect, to admonish them of their negligence.
8. He concludes with his benediction and subscription. The salutation by the hand of me Paul, the mark of his genuine Epistles. Remember my bonds, which I now suffer for the sake of the Gentiles, and which should especially engage your prayers for me, and your affection towards me. Grace be with you; may the rich favour of God, with all its blessed consequences, be your present and everlasting portion. Amen.
[ See Lardner, Michaelis, Locke, Peirce, Doddridge, Franck, Clarke, Grotius, Mill, Wetstein, Wolfius, Whitby, Philo, Hammond, Blackwall, Sherlock, Scott, Wallis, Tillotson, Beza, Heylin, Pyle, Burnet, Bengelius, Davenant, Stockius, Knatchbull, Wake, and Chrysostom.]
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Col 4:17 . The particular circumstances which lay at the root of this emphatic admonitory utterance [184] cannot be ascertained, nor do we even know whether the is to be understood in the narrower sense of the office of deacon (Primasius), or of any other office relating to the church (possibly the office of presbyter ), or of the calling of an evangelist , or of some individual business relating to the service of the church. We cannot gather from any more precise definition of the Christian . Ewald conjectures that Archippus was a still younger man (Bengel holds him to have been sick or weak through age), an overseer of the church, who had been during the absence of Epaphras too indulgent towards the false teachers. Even Fathers like Jerome and the older expositors regard him as bishop (so also Dllinger, Christenthum u. Kirche , Exo 2 , p. 308), or as substitute for the bishop during the absence of Epaphras (similarly Bleek), whose successor he had also become (Cornelius a Lapide and Estius). Comp. further as to this Colossian, [185] on Phm 1:2 .
The special motive for this precise form of reminding him of his duty is not clear. [186] But what merits attention is the relation of disciplinary admonitive authority , in which, according to these words, the church stood to the office-bearers, and which should here be the less called in question with Hofmann, since Paul in the letter to Philemon addressed jointly to Archippus would doubtless himself have given the admonition, if he had not conceded and recognised in the church that authority of which he invokes the exercise and that even in the case, which cannot be proved, of the having been the service of an evangelist. The expedient to which Oecumenius and others have recourse can only be looked upon as flowing from the later hierarchical feeling: , (Theophylact).
. . .] Grotius, Wolf, Flatt, Bhr, and many, take the construction to be: , . . ., , from which arbitrary view the very should have precluded them. The words are not to be taken otherwise than as they stand: Look to the service (have it in thy view), which thou hast undertaken in the Lord, in order that thou mayest fulfil it , mayest meet its obligations; . . is the purpose , which is to be present in the . , . . . Comp. 2Jn 1:8 . On , comp. Act 12:25 ; 1Ma 2:55 ; Liban. Ep . 359; Philo, in Flacc . p. 988: .
] not: from the Lord (Bhr); not: for the sake of the Lord (Flatt); not: secundum Domini praecepta (Grotius). Christ, who is served by the (1Co 12:5 ), is conceived as the sphere, in which the act of the is accomplished objectively, as well as in the consciousness of the person concerned; he is in that act not out of Christ, but living and acting in Him . The . conveys the element of holy obligation . The less reason is there for joining it, with Grotius, Steiger, and Dalmer, to the following . .
[184] Bengel: “vos meis verbis dicite tanquam testes. Hoc magis movebat, quam si ipsum Archippum appellaret.”
[185] Theodoret already with reason declares himself against the opinion that Archippus had been a Laodicean teacher (so Theodore of Mopsuestia, Michaelis, and Storr), just as the Constitt. apost. vii. 46. 2 make him appointed by Paul as bishop of Laodicea. Recently it has been defended by Wieseler, Chronol. des apost. Zeitalt. p. 452, and Laurent in the Jahrb. f. D. Th. 1866, p. 130, arguing that, if Archippus had been a Colossian, it is not easy to see why Paul, in ver. 17, makes him he admonished by others; and also that ver. 17 is joined by to ver. 15 f., where the Laodiceans are spoken of. But the form of exhortation in ver. 17 has a motive not known to us at all; and the reason based on in ver. 17 would only be relevant in the event of ver. 17 following immediately after ver. 15. Lastly, we should expect, after the analogy of ver. 15, that if Archippus had not dwelt in Colossae, Paul would have caused a salutation to be sent to him as to Nymphas. Besides, it would be altogether very surprising that Paul should have conveyed the warning admonition to Archippus through a strange church, the more especially when he had written at the same time to himself jointly addressed with Philemon (Phm 1:2 ).
[186] Hitzig, p. 31 (who holds also vv. 9, 15, 16 to be not genuine), gives it as his opinion that Archippus is indebted for this exhortation, not to the apostle, but to the manipulator, who knew the man indeed from Phm 1:2 , but probably had in his mind the Flavius Archippus, well known from Plin. Ep. x. 66 68, and the proconsul Paulus, when he adjusted for himself the relation between the Apostle Paul and his fellow-warrior Archippus (Phm 1:2 ). I do not understand how any one could ascribe even to an interpolator so singular an anachronistic confusion of persons. Yet Holtzmann finds the grounds of Hitzig so cogent, that he ultimately regards vv. 15 17 as the rivet, “by means of which the Auctor ad Ephesios has made a connected triad out of his own work, the interpolated Colossian epistle, and the letter to Philemon.”
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Ver. 17. And say to Archippus ] Arehippus was a pastor of the Laodicean Church; so that before St John’s time in Patmos they began to cool.
Take heed to the ministry ] Gr. see to it, that is, to thyself, and to all the flock,Act 20:28Act 20:28 ; cf. Eze 34:31 , to strengthen the weak, to heal the infected: to splint the sprained, to reduce the wandering, to seek the lost, to cherish the strong: work enough. Age ergo quod tui muneris est, as Valentinian said to Ambrose. Clericus in oppido, piscis in arido, A preacher in the town, fish in the desert, saith another. “What is that to thee?” Joh 21:22 . The Church is thy proper element, the pulpit thy right ubi where, the sanctuary should be the centre of all thy circumference. It is a good hearing that the Levite makes haste home, Jdg 19:10 . An honest man’s heart is the place where his calling is. And this charge, by how much the more sacred it is, so much the more attendance it expects. Even a day breaks square with those with a good conscience.
That thou fulfil it ] By preaching the word in season, out of season, &c., and so doing the work of an evangelist, fulfilling his ministry, 2Ti 4:2-5 . This to do the people were to excite their pastor; yet with all due respect and reverence to his office, 1Ti 5:1 , . An elder must not be lashed or jerked with the scourge of the tongue as a puny, but entreated as a father.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
17 .] Archippus is mentioned Phm 1:2 , and called the Apostle’s . I have treated on the inference to be drawn from this passage as to his abode, in the Prolegg. to Philemon, iii.1. He was evidently some officer of the church, but what , in the wideness of , we cannot say: and conjectures are profitless (see such in Est. and Corn.-a-lap.). Meyer well remarks, that the authority hereby implied on the part of the congregation to exercise reproof and discipline over their teachers is remarkable: and that the hierarchical turn given to the passage by Thl. and c. ( . , , , Thl.) belongs to a later age. As to the words themselves, Take heed to the ministry which thou receivedst in the Lord (the sphere of the reception of the ministry; in which the recipient lived and moved and promised at his ordination: not, of the ministry itself ( .), nor is to be diverted from its simple local meaning), that (aim and end of the , in order that) thou fulfil it (reff.).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Col 4:17 . Archippus may have been at Laodicea, but more probably not, for we should have expected the reference to him in Col 4:15 . The Church is entrusted with the duty of exhorting one of its ministers. There is no need to infer any slackness on his part. is added to emphasise its importance, and the need that it should be zealously fulfilled.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Take heed. Greek. blepo. App-133.
ministry. Greek. diakonia. App-190.
fulfil. App-125.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
17.] Archippus is mentioned Phm 1:2, and called the Apostles . I have treated on the inference to be drawn from this passage as to his abode, in the Prolegg. to Philemon, iii.1. He was evidently some officer of the church, but what, in the wideness of , we cannot say: and conjectures are profitless (see such in Est. and Corn.-a-lap.). Meyer well remarks, that the authority hereby implied on the part of the congregation to exercise reproof and discipline over their teachers is remarkable: and that the hierarchical turn given to the passage by Thl. and c. ( . , , , Thl.) belongs to a later age. As to the words themselves,-Take heed to the ministry which thou receivedst in the Lord (the sphere of the reception of the ministry; in which the recipient lived and moved and promised at his ordination: not, of the ministry itself ( .),-nor is to be diverted from its simple local meaning), that (aim and end of the ,-in order that) thou fulfil it (reff.).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Col 4:17. , say) Speak ye, in my name, as witnesses. This was more affecting than if he had addressed Archippus himself. And perhaps Archippus, a minister, was prevented from going to the public assembly by weak health or old age. For that he was near the end of his career, may be inferred from the word fulfil, Phm 1:2. Moreover it is not the different overseers of the Church, but the Church itself, which is commanded to speak to Archippus. Therefore the epistle was directed to the Church, although its subject is very sublime. [Why then are laymen, as they are called, to be prevented from reading the Scriptures?-V. g.]- , which thou hast received) by a mediate calling [i.e. through the mediate instrumentality of men, who ordained him]; for there does not follow, from the Lord, but in the Lord.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Col 4:17
Col 4:17
And say to Archippus,-Archippus is mentioned elsewhere only in Philemon. (2). The words say to suggest that he was close at hand to hear what was said; and was therefore probably a member of the church at Colossae. And this agrees with his relation to Philemon, who also seems to have been a Colossian. Archippus was called a fellow-soldier (Phm 1:2) of Paul, which suggests that he had shared with Paul the perils of Christian work. And this agrees with the work in the Lord mentioned here.
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.-He sends this caution to Archippus, who seems to have been sent on a mission to them, and warns him to be careful that he fulfil it. Do faithfully and well what the Lord had sent him to do.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Archippus: Phm 1:2
Take: Lev 10:3, Num 18:5, 2Ch 29:11, Eze 44:23, Eze 44:24, Act 20:28, 1Ti 4:16, 1Ti 6:11-14, 1Ti 6:20, 2Ti 4:1-5
the ministry: Act 1:17, Act 14:23, 1Co 4:1, 1Co 4:2, Eph 4:11, 1Ti 4:6, 1Ti 4:14, 2Ti 1:6, 2Ti 2:2
fulfil: 2Ti 4:5
Reciprocal: Exo 36:2 – in whose Lev 21:24 – Aaron Num 3:25 – the charge Num 27:19 – give him Num 31:30 – keep the Mat 25:17 – he also Act 6:4 – give Act 13:2 – they Act 14:26 – the work Rom 12:7 – ministry 1Co 3:10 – But let every 1Co 9:16 – woe Eph 4:12 – the work 1Ti 6:14 – keep
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
(Col 4:17.) . , -And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Archippus is mentioned also in Philemon. There is no ground for the opinion of Michaelis, Storr, Wieseler, and Theodoret, based on the Apostolic Constitutions, 7:46, that Archippus was a Laodicean. Phm 1:2. What the motive of the apostle in sending him this exhortation was, we do not know. It would be an unwarranted suspicion, on the one hand, to suppose that Archippus was in danger of proving unfaithful; and it is no less a baseless notion of Bengel, on the other hand, that he was either in sickness or old age, and not far from the end of his career. The form is peculiar. Winer, 15. In construing the exhortation, it serves no purpose to take back from its place, and read , for what then should come of ? 2Jn 1:8. The phrase in the Lord has not the same meaning as from the Lord, with which some would identify it. It points out the source of the ministry, not simply, but by describing the sphere in which it was given and received. It was in the Lord-the recipient was in union with the Lord himself, and the ministerial function was conferred upon him, and accepted by him under no foreign influence, obligation, or motive. Whatever this ministry was, and we cannot determine its nature, whether it be the diaconate specially or the pastorate generally, it was therefore a divine office which Archippus held. He had received it in the Lord, and the charge was, that he was to see to it that he fulfilled it. Act 12:25. This was to be his solicitude, to discharge all the duties which such an office laid upon him, and to fill up with holy activity that sphere which the Lord had marked out for him. There is no occasion to adopt the idea of Grotius, that the verb is any imitation of the Hebrew , H4848, as applied to the consecration of a priest, for the word is found with a similar sense in the classics and in Philo. Some suppose that Archippus was holding office in the absence of Epaphras, others that he was a son of Philemon, and deacon under his father as pastor. It has been said, that it marks the free intercourse of the early churches, when such an address should be made by a church to one of its ministers. Only it should be borne in mind, that the church was simply the vehicle of communication. It was an admonition of Paul to Archippus through the church. The idea of Theophylact is, that Paul sends him the admonition so openly, for this purpose, that when he had occasion to rebuke any members of the church, they might not deem him bitter or censorious, for they would recall the apostle’s charge to him, and esteem him for so faithfully obeying it.
Fuente: Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Phillipians
Col 4:17. Archippus is described by Thayer as, “a certain Christian at Colosse.” He was a teacher in the church there, and Paul sends this exhortation to him to be expressed by the brethren on behalf of the apostle. The ministry means the service of teaching that the Lord had delivered to him.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Col 4:17. And say to Archippns; our fellow-soldier (Phm 1:2); possibly a son of Philemon. Bishop Lightfoot thinks it probable that he was
a resident of Laodicea, and hence singled out here. But Phm 1:2 indicates a residence with Philemon, whatever relationship existed between them. Where he was associated with the Apostle can only be conjectured.
Take heed to the ministry, etc. As to the nature of this ministry, we know nothing whatever; and as little as to the reason for sending the exhortation in this public manner. Archippus might have been a deacon, though the word does not necessarily suggest this; or he may have been the most prominent elder in the Colossian congregation. Some find a reproof here, but it is rather a caution. Whether it was occasioned by the danger threatening the Church, or by something in Archippus himself is uncertain. Meyer rightly calls attention to the anti-hierarchical tone of this verse; the New Testament Church was an evangelical Church of the people.
Didst receive in the Lord. At the time of his setting apart to his office. In the Lord is not to be explained as from the Lord, or, through the Lord, but points to the sphere of the reception of the ministry; in which the recipient lived and moved and promised at his ordination; not of the ministry itself (Alford). The whole phrase furnishes a motive for the exhortation.
That thou fulfil it; fully perform its duties. (Some render: take heed that thou fulfil the ministry, etc., but this is harsh and unnecessary.) Official gifts bring responsibility, both to Christ and to His people. What we receive in the Lord, but increases the need of watchfulness on our part.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
This Archippus is, with good reason, supposed to be the minister at Colosse, in the room of Epaphras, now with St. Paul at Rome. Some think, that in the absence of Epaphras, he was grown somewhat remiss and slack in his ministerial duty; he directs therefore the Colossians to admonish him to the exercise of greater diligence in discharging all the parts of his trust committed by Christ unto him, Say unto Archippus, Take heed, &c.
Observe here, A double charge, 1. A charge of message, Say unto Archippus: The Colossians must say it. St. Paul could have wrote a private letter to him; but they must excite him, yea, say to him to his face, not of him behind his back: It is the people’s duty to stir up their ministers to the faithful performance of their duty; the fire of our ministerial zeal doth not burn so bright, but we may need our people’s bellows to inflame it; but this must be done with prudence by the people, in a way of exhortation, not by the way of exprobation; so stir up your minister to his duty, that you forget not your own.
Observe, 2. The charge of an office, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received of the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Here note, 1. A duty enjoined, to fulfil the ministry: But what is that?
Negatively, not to secure the success of our ministry, we may deliver our own souls, though our people’s be not delivered; the nurse is not charged with the life of the child, but with the care of the child; she shall be paid whether it live or die: Nor is it absolutely to perform every part of our ministerial duty without the least deficiency; no, we rejoice in the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity we have done our duty:
Positively, to fulfil the ministry, is to perform all the parts of our duty with care and faithfulness, persevere in diligence, particularly, public preaching and private inspection. A non-preaching minister is no minister, a breastless nurse, a murderer of souls, a bell without a clapper, a cryer without a voice; yet doth not his work lye all in the pulpit, but the greatest part out of it: he is styled a watchman: For what? because he is to watch one hour with his people in a week? No, surely, but because he is to watch over them, and converse with them all the week, upon occasion. Is not the physician to visit his patient, as well as to prescribe his physic? Doth the husbandman cast his seed into the ground, and never come into his fields to see whether it comes up, or how it grows? Verily, our people are great gainers by them too. We may gain more experimental knowledge by an afternoon’s visiting our people, than by a week’s study.
Note, 2. The means here directed to, for the fulfilling of the ministry, Take heed to the ministry; What doth that import?
1. Take heed to thy study; ministerial abilities are not rained down like manna upon us. The apostles did not study indeed, but one reason was, they had no time to study, they were itinerary preachers.
2. Take heed to thy doctrine, that it be the pure word of God, and delivered purely; not only in opposition to error, but in opposition to levity.
3. Take heed, that is, to thy life and practice, that we may tread out the steps before our people, which they are to take towards heaven.
Note, 3. The motive to stir us all up to the fulfilling our ministerial trust: We have received it: There is the importance of a special favour, and also the importance of a strict account; what we have received, we must give an account for.
2. We have received it of or from the Lord; this implies assistance, that God has called us to it, will assist us in it: Lo, I am with you always to the end of the world; with you to assist, with you to succeed, with you to reward. Let Archippus then, every one in the work of Christ, take heed to the ministry which he has received of the Lord, that he fulfil it.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Col 4:17-18. Say to Archippus It is generally supposed that the person here mentioned was the Archippus spoken of Phm 1:2, where he is called Pauls fellow-labourer and fellow-soldier. It seems he was one of the pastors of the church at Colosse; and many think that he had failed in the duties of his office, and that the apostle, in what he here says, ordered the Colossians to rebuke him publicly for his negligence: but others, perhaps with more truth, and certainly with more charity, as Macknight observes, are of opinion that the apostle, in this direction, meant that the Colossians should encourage Archippus to diligence, because the false teachers at Colosse were very active in spreading their errors. And their opinion derives probability from the respectful manner in which Archippus is addressed in the epistle to Philemon, which was written about this time, and sent with the epistle to the Colossians. Take heed It is the duty of the flock to try them that say they are apostles; to reject the false; and to warn, as well as to receive, the true; to the ministry Not a lordship, but
, a service, a laborious and painful work; an obligation to do and suffer all things; to be the least, and the servant of all; which thou hast received in the Lord Christ, by his appointment; by whom, and for whose sake, his servants receive the various gifts of the Holy Spirit; that thou fulfil it Properly; that thou faithfully discharge all the duties of it with diligence and care; for the consequence of neglecting any of them. after having solemnly undertaken to fulfil them, will be infinitely dangerous and fatal. A necessary and important caution this to all ministers of the gospel! The salutation by the hand of me Paul Which I add as a token of the genuineness of this epistle. Remember my bonds See an account of the manner of the apostles confinement at Rome, in the notes on Act 28:16; Eph 6:20. The apostles having suffered now almost four years imprisonment for the gospel, and in the course of that time many hardships and dangers, was such a demonstration of his certain knowledge of the truth and importance, yea, and necessity of the gospel to the salvation of mankind, as could not fail to confirm the faith of the Colossians, and of all the Gentiles who were informed of these his sufferings. This probably is the reason that, notwithstanding he had mentioned his bonds twice before in this letter, he brings the subject in a third time here at the conclusion.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
17. Say to Archippus: See to the ministry which you received in the Lord, that you fill it. Lord, send this admonition, with sledgehammer conviction, to every one whom the Lord has commissioned to preach the living Word!
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”
Might we assume that Paul is helping the church hold someone in their group accountable? Would seem that is the thought. One must wonder why Paul felt this was a necessary comment to make. Spose he had heard something that made him question the work Archippus was doing – seems logical – also a heavy stroke of encouragement to give a guy – set the whole church on him to do a good job.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
Archippus seems to have been Philemon’s son (Phm 1:2). Perhaps he was a gifted young man whom Paul wished to encourage. The idea that he was the present leader of the Colossian church is a possibility that some commentators have suggested.