Colossians 4 17

Colossians 4:17 kjv

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

Colossians 4:17 nkjv

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

Colossians 4:17 niv

Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord."

Colossians 4:17 esv

And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."

Colossians 4:17 nlt

And say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 17 Meaning

This verse is a direct exhortation to Archippus, likely a church leader or a significant servant in Colossae or nearby Laodicea. It is a charge to diligently "take heed" or pay close attention to the "ministry" (service, work) he has "received" (been entrusted with by God "in the Lord"). The purpose of this careful attention is "that he may fulfill it," meaning to carry it out completely, diligently, and to its intended conclusion, not neglecting any part of it. The message, delivered by Paul through the Colossian believers themselves, emphasizes the divine origin of the calling and the paramount importance of faithfulness in fulfilling one's God-given spiritual responsibilities.

Colossians 4 17 Context

Colossians 4:17 appears in the closing section of Paul's letter to the church at Colossae, following his doctrinal exposition on Christ's supremacy and practical exhortations for Christian living. Chapters 1-2 lay the theological foundation against false teachings prevalent in Colossae (syncretism, Gnosticism, asceticism, angel worship), asserting Christ's full deity and all-sufficiency. Chapter 3 provides ethical applications, emphasizing believers' new identity in Christ and calling them to live according to kingdom principles.

Chapter 4 then transitions into specific instructions for conduct outside the church (prayer, wisdom toward outsiders) and personal greetings and final instructions. Verses 7-9 introduce Tychicus and Onesimus, Paul's messengers, who will update the Colossians about Paul. The verse immediately precedes a series of personal greetings from Paul's companions (Aristarchus, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke) and concludes with greetings to the Laodiceans. The mention of Archippus, who is also greeted in Philemon 1:2 alongside Philemon and Apphia (who hosted a church meeting in their home), suggests he was a key figure, perhaps a pastor, leader, or a significant household head in the Colossian or nearby Laodicean church. Paul's instruction to the entire congregation ("say to Archippus") indicates corporate accountability and shared responsibility within the body of Christ for the faithful execution of leadership roles. It's a public admonition/encouragement, underscoring the vital importance of his particular service in the midst of doctrinal challenges.

Colossians 4 17 Word analysis

• And say (καὶ εἴπατε - kai eipate):

  • εἴπατε (eipate) is a second person plural imperative. This is crucial: Paul is commanding the entire Colossian church (or the readers of the letter) to deliver this message to Archippus, not merely Tychicus, the letter carrier. This makes the message a public encouragement or mild rebuke, creating a level of communal accountability for Archippus's diligence.
  • Significance: It shows the church's role in upholding its leaders and ensuring faithfulness to divine callings.

• to Archippus (Ἀρχίππῳ - Archíppō):

  • A known individual, mentioned also in Philemon 1:2. His role is likely pastoral or ministerial in either Colossae or Laodicea.
  • Significance: Highlights Paul's personal concern for individual leaders and their specific responsibilities within the local church body.

• Take heed (βλέπε - blepe):

  • From βλέπω (blepō), meaning "to look," "to see," "to observe," "to be attentive," "to be cautious." It is a singular present active imperative.
  • Significance: Conveys a sense of urgency and constant, active diligence. It implies careful observation and responsibility in the execution of one's task, suggesting that the ministry could be neglected or undervalued if care is not taken.

• to the ministry (τὴν διακονίαν - tēn diakonían):

  • From διακονία (diakonía), meaning "service," "ministry," "waiting at tables," "relief," "aid." It can refer to any service performed for others, especially spiritual or gospel ministry.
  • Significance: Refers to Archippus's specific sphere of Christian service or calling. It highlights that the spiritual work undertaken in the church is a serious "service" to Christ and others, not merely a position or title.

• which you have received (ἣν παρέλαβες - hēn parelabes):

  • παρέλαβες (parelabes) from παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō), meaning "to take alongside," "to receive from another," "to accept what is handed over." It is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed past action.
  • Significance: Emphasizes that Archippus's ministry was not self-appointed or humanly originated but was given or entrusted to him, either directly from God or through God's servants. This grounds the responsibility in divine authorization.

• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō):

  • ἐν Κυρίῳ (en Kyriō) literally "in Lord." This prepositional phrase indicates the sphere, source, or standard of the ministry.
  • Significance: It means the ministry is empowered by Christ, done according to His will, under His authority, for His glory, and in union with Him. It's not a secular endeavor but a spiritual one, intrinsically tied to one's relationship with Christ.

• that you may fulfill it (ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς - hina autēn plērois):

  • ἵνα (hina) introduces a purpose clause. πληροῖς (plērois) from πληρόω (plēroō), meaning "to fill," "to complete," "to accomplish," "to bring to an end."
  • Significance: The ultimate aim of Archippus's diligent attention is the complete, thorough, and effective execution of his God-given service. It suggests a potential for not completing it or doing so inadequately.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And say to Archippus... that you may fulfill it.": This entire clause functions as a direct, public charge regarding ministerial fidelity. The public nature of the directive emphasizes that Archippus's ministry affects the whole congregation, and they share in the responsibility of holding leaders accountable.
  • "Take heed to the ministry... in the Lord": This phrase stresses the origin and nature of Archippus's work. It's a sacred trust, given by divine appointment ("received") and must be performed under Christ's Lordship ("in the Lord"). The imperative "take heed" signifies a continuous, watchful responsibility.

Colossians 4 17 Bonus section

While the precise reasons for Paul's public charge to Archippus are not stated, it is commonly understood to imply either a lack of confidence, a potential for spiritual sloth, or simply a need for firm encouragement to press on. Given the various challenges facing the early church, including false teaching, internal struggles, and external pressures, it is possible Archippus was either wavering in his responsibilities, being discouraged, or perhaps neglecting some aspects of his ministerial duties. The public nature of the admonition indicates that the Colossian congregation had a role in encouraging, supporting, and holding accountable their leaders to God's standards. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that all Christian service, regardless of its scale, is a sacred trust from the Lord, demanding utmost dedication and perseverance to be fully completed.

Colossians 4 17 Commentary

Colossians 4:17 provides a succinct yet profound lesson on faithful stewardship in ministry. It reminds believers, especially those in positions of service, that their calling is divinely appointed and comes with significant responsibility. The command to "take heed" is an urgent summons to diligence and careful attention, suggesting that negligence or distraction can impede the effective completion of God's work. The instruction for the church to convey this message to Archippus underlines the communal aspect of Christian life and ministry: the body of Christ shares responsibility for the spiritual health and accountability of its leaders. Ministry "in the Lord" signifies that all service must be performed in union with Christ, relying on His strength, under His authority, and for His glory, ensuring that the work is ultimately completed ("fulfilled") for its intended divine purpose. It encourages every believer to diligently identify, embrace, and faithfully fulfill their God-given role within the body, however big or small, recognizing its divine origin and eternal significance.