The exhortation to Archippus is a brief but significant mention found in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians. Archippus is addressed directly in Colossians 4:17, where Paul writes, "Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'" . This verse, though concise, carries profound implications for understanding the nature of Christian ministry and the responsibilities of those called to serve.

Context and Background

The Epistle to the Colossians is one of Paul's prison letters, written during his first Roman imprisonment around A.D. 60-62. The letter addresses the church in Colossae, a city in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor. Paul had not personally founded the church there, but it was likely established by Epaphras, a fellow worker in the gospel (Colossians 1:7). The letter aims to counter false teachings and to affirm the supremacy of Christ.

Archippus is mentioned alongside Philemon and Apphia in the opening of the Epistle to Philemon (Philemon 1:2), suggesting that he was a prominent member of the Colossian church, possibly even Philemon's son. His role in the church is not explicitly detailed, but the exhortation implies a significant responsibility, possibly pastoral or missionary in nature.

The Exhortation

Paul's instruction to Archippus is both a personal charge and a public reminder. The phrase "See to it that you complete the ministry" underscores the importance of diligence and faithfulness in fulfilling one's divine calling. The term "ministry" (Greek: διακονία, diakonia) encompasses a broad range of service, indicating that Archippus had a specific task or role entrusted to him by the Lord.

The exhortation serves as a reminder of the divine origin of Christian ministry. The phrase "you have received in the Lord" emphasizes that Archippus's ministry is not self-appointed but divinely assigned. This reflects the biblical principle that all Christian service is a stewardship from God, requiring accountability and dedication.

Theological Implications

The exhortation to Archippus highlights several key theological themes:

1. Divine Calling and Responsibility: The passage underscores the belief that God calls individuals to specific roles within the body of Christ. Each believer is entrusted with gifts and responsibilities that contribute to the church's mission.

2. Faithfulness and Perseverance: The charge to "complete the ministry" implies the necessity of perseverance in the face of challenges. Faithfulness in ministry is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, reflecting the expectation that believers remain steadfast in their service to God.

3. Community Accountability: By instructing the Colossian church to relay this message to Archippus, Paul emphasizes the role of the Christian community in encouraging and holding one another accountable. The church is a supportive environment where believers are urged to fulfill their God-given tasks.

4. Christ-Centered Ministry: The context of the letter, with its focus on the preeminence of Christ, suggests that Archippus's ministry, like all Christian service, should be centered on and empowered by Christ. The ultimate goal of any ministry is to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Historical and Practical Considerations

Historically, the mention of Archippus provides insight into the early Christian communities and their structure. It reflects the interconnectedness of the churches and the shared responsibility among believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Practically, the exhortation serves as a timeless reminder for all Christians to diligently pursue their God-given callings. It encourages believers to seek clarity on their roles within the church and to commit wholeheartedly to their ministries, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

In summary, the exhortation to Archippus, though brief, encapsulates essential aspects of Christian ministry, emphasizing divine calling, faithfulness, community support, and Christ-centered service.