Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it. 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 (Revelation 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.) Parallel Verses KJV: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. |
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