Colossians 4:17
New International Version
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

New Living Translation
And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

English Standard Version
And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Berean Standard Bible
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

Berean Literal Bible
And say to Archippus: "Take heed to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

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

New King James Version
And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

New American Standard Bible
Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”

NASB 1995
Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

NASB 1977
And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

Amplified Bible
And say to Archippus, “See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”

Christian Standard Bible
And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”

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

Contemporary English Version
Remind Archippus to do the work that the Lord has given him to do.

English Revised Version
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Tell Archippus to complete all the work that he started as the Lord's servant.

Good News Translation
And tell Archippus, "Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service."

International Standard Version
Tell Archippus, "See that you complete the ministry you have received from the Lord."

Majority Standard Bible
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

NET Bible
And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord."

New Heart English Bible
Tell Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have been given in the Lord."

Webster's Bible Translation
And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

Weymouth New Testament
And tell Archippus to discharge carefully the duties devolving upon him as a servant of the Lord.

World English Bible
Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and say to Archippus, “See to the ministry that you received in the LORD, that you may fulfill it.”

Berean Literal Bible
And say to Archippus: "Take heed to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

Young's Literal Translation
and say to Archippus, 'See to the ministration that thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou mayest fulfil it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And say to Archippus, Look out for the service which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fill it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And say to Archippus: Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And tell Archippus: “See to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, in order to fulfill it.”

New American Bible
And tell Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you received in the Lord.”

New Revised Standard Version
And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And say to Ar-chip’pus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in our LORD and that you fulfill it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And tell Arkippus, “Remember the ministry that you have received in Our Lord, that you finish it.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and say to Archippus: Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.

Godbey New Testament
And say to Archippus; Take heed to the ministry which you received in the Lord, that you may fill it.

Haweis New Testament
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received from the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Mace New Testament
that you read the epistle from Laodicea, give Archippus this instruction from me, take care to discharge the function, you

Weymouth New Testament
And tell Archippus to discharge carefully the duties devolving upon him as a servant of the Lord.

Worrell New Testament
And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."

Worsley New Testament
And say ye to Archippus, Look well to the ministry, which thou hast received of the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sharing This Letter
16After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.…

Cross References
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

2 Timothy 1:6
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.

1 Corinthians 16:10
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ...

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:11-12
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, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 9:16-17
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

1 Thessalonians 5:24
The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.


Treasury of Scripture

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.

Archippus.

Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Take.

Leviticus 10:3
Then 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.

Numbers 18:5
And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

2 Chronicles 29:11
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

the ministry.

Acts 1:17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 Corinthians 4:1,2
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God…

fulfil.

2 Timothy 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

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Colossians 4
1. He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;
5. to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.
10. He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.














Tell Archippus
The name "Archippus" is of Greek origin, meaning "master of the horse." Archippus is mentioned here and in Philemon 1:2, suggesting he was a prominent figure in the early church, possibly in Colossae or Laodicea. The instruction to "tell" him indicates a direct and personal message, emphasizing the importance of community accountability and encouragement within the body of Christ. This reflects the early church's practice of mutual edification and the personal nature of apostolic guidance.

See to it
This phrase implies a sense of responsibility and diligence. The Greek word used here, "blepo," means to look at, behold, or take heed. It suggests an active, intentional focus, urging Archippus to be vigilant and attentive to his duties. This call to action is a reminder of the Christian duty to be watchful and proactive in fulfilling God's calling.

that you complete
The word "complete" comes from the Greek "pleroo," which means to fill up, fulfill, or accomplish. It conveys the idea of bringing something to its intended end or purpose. This is a call for Archippus to fully realize and execute the ministry entrusted to him, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in one's divine calling.

the ministry
The term "ministry" is derived from the Greek "diakonia," which refers to service or attendance, particularly in a religious context. This underscores the servant nature of Christian leadership and the call to serve others as Christ served. It is a reminder that ministry is not about personal glory but about serving God's people and advancing His kingdom.

you have received
This phrase indicates that the ministry is a gift or commission from God. The Greek word "lambano" means to take or receive, suggesting that Archippus's ministry is not self-appointed but divinely given. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God in calling individuals to specific roles and the responsibility to steward these gifts faithfully.

in the Lord
The phrase "in the Lord" signifies that the ministry is rooted in a relationship with Christ. It implies that the source, strength, and purpose of the ministry are found in Him. This is a reminder that all Christian service should be conducted in alignment with Christ's will and empowered by His Spirit, ensuring that the work is not done in human strength but through divine enablement.

(17) Say to Archippus.--Archippus is included in the salutation of the Epistle to Philemon (Philemon 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 (2Timothy 4:5), "Make full proof of thy ministry; "and the whole tone of the passage here suggests that, like Timothy's, 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 Colossae--his father's native place--or 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 (Philippians 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 Galatians 1:12, "I received it not from man, neither was I taught but by revelation of Jesus Christ."

Verse 17. - And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou receivedst in (the) Lord, that thou fulfil it (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 1:18, 19; 1 Timothy 4:6, 11-16; 1 Timothy 6:13, 14, 20, 21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:5). From the connection of this verse with the two preceding, it seems likely that "the ministry" of Archippus related to the Laodicean Church. Hence he is not addressed directly. If he was, as we gather from Philemon 1, 2, the son of Philemon, whose house formed a centre for the Colossian Church (Philemon 1:2), the warning would be suitably conveyed through this channel. In the letter to Philemon, the apostle calls him his" fellow soldier" (comp. Colossians 4:10; Philippians 1:29, 30). Both from this fact, and from the emphasis of the words before us, it would appear that his office was an important one, probably that of chief pastor. This warning addressed so early to the minister of the Laodicean Church is premonitory of the lapsed condition in which it is afterwards found (Revelation 3:14-22); see Lightfoot, pp. 42, 43. (For "ministry" (διακονία), comp. Colossians 1:7, 23; 1 Corinthians 4:1, etc. For "received," comp. note, Colossians 2:6.) "In the Lord; "for every office in the Church is grounded in him as Head and Lord (Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:6; Colossians 3:17, 24; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 12:5, etc.), and must be administered according to his direction and as subject to his judgment (see 1 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 10:17, 18; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Galatians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2). "Fulfil" (comp. Colossians 1:26; 2 Timothy 4:5; Acts 12:25). This admonition resembles those addressed to Timothy in the Pastoral Epistles.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Tell
εἴπατε (eipate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Archippus:
Ἀρχίππῳ (Archippō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 751: Archippus, a Christian of Colossae. From arche and hippos; horse-ruler; Archippus, a Christian.

“See to it
Βλέπε (Blepe)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you complete
πληροῖς (plērois)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ministry
διακονίαν (diakonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.

you have received
παρέλαβες (parelabes)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3880: From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord.”
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Letters: Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus Take heed to the ministry (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 4:16
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