17 “And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (Colossians 4:17–18 (ESV)
At the end of the Apostle Paul’s New Testament Epistles, he often included final greetings. These remarks usually mentioned fellow servants of Christ who ministered to him and alongside him. They are superstar-less servants. Today, it is Archippus.
References to Archippus are found in two biblical texts. He was a contemporary of Paul with whom the apostle encouraged to fulfill his ministry (Col 4:17) and referred to as a “fellow soldier” (Phlm. 1:2).
From today’s featured biblical text, to fulfill (πληροῖς; plerois) means to presently, actively and personally complete or finish a task or work. The task the Apostle Paul had in mind was Archippus’ ministry (διακονίαν; diakonian) or service. Paul mentioned nothing specific other than Archippus’ received (παρέλαβες; parelabes) this appointment from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Was Archippus lazy or not doing his due diligence? This doubtful in light of what Paul said about him in his letter to Philemon. Paul called Archippus a ‘fellow-solider’ (συστρατιώτῃ; systratiote). This refers to an individual who struggles alongside another and who is an arduous or hard worker. This is a fitting compliment for anyone to receive who serves the Lord.
“Archippus was a member of the family of Philemon who lived in Colossae, and at whose home the church was accustomed to gather for worship. In Philemon 2 the apostle bestows on him the signal honor of calling him “our fellow-soldier.” As he was probably the son of Philemon and Apphia he cannot have been very old,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Paul tells the church of Colossae to say to Archippus, Attend to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it. Nothing further is said about the nature of this “ministry.” Nor are we told why Archippus had to be thus admonished. Some have thought that the reason was that he lacked diligence or energy, that he was somewhat on the lazy side, always postponing to the indefinite future (“mañana”) the tasks that needed immediate attention. The objection to this theory is that in that case Paul would hardly have called him “our fellow-soldier.”
Finally, Paul acknowledged he personally wrote to the Colossians. He did not use a secretary to compose the entire letter. He wanted the church to know this correspondence came from him.
The apostle then said, “Remember my chains.” To remember (μνημονεύετέ; mnemoneuete) is a present, active command to the entire church. It meant to continuously, actively and obediently keep thinking about Paul’s imprisonment or chains (δεσμῶν; desmon). Chains may also mean incapacity or illness. Paul’s final words to the Colossians was “Grace be with you.”
“In this shortest possible form the benediction is also found in 1 Tim. 6:21 (cf. 2 Tim. 4:22b). But though brief it is rich in meaning, for grace is the greatest and most basic blessing of all. It is God’s favor in Christ to the undeserving, transforming their hearts and lives and leading them on to glory. The apostle, who in his opening salutation had spoken of grace (followed by peace), now closes this letter by again authoritatively pronouncing this grace (note the article; hence really “the grace”) upon the believers in Colossae,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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