Colossians 4:17
Verse
Context
Sermons
Bill McLeod
James BookerDavid Clifford
Jim CymbalaRon NobleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Say to Archippus - Who this person was we cannot tell; there have been various conjectures concerning him; some think he was bishop, or overseer of the Church at Colosse, in the absence of Epaphras. Whatever he was, it has been supposed that he had been remiss in discharging the duties of his office; and hence this direction of the apostle, which appears here in the light of a reprehension. But if the same person be meant as in the Epistle to Philemon, Plm 1:2, whom St. Paul calls his fellow laborer and fellow soldier, it cannot be supposed that any reproof is here intended; for, as the Epistle to the Colossians, and that to Philemon, were evidently written about the end of the year 62, Archippus could not be a fellow laborer and fellow soldier of the apostle at Rome, and yet a delinquent at Colosse at the same time. It is more likely, therefore, that the words of the apostle convey no censure, but are rather intended to stir him up to farther diligence, and to encourage him in the work, seeing he had so much false doctrine and so many false teachers to contend with.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
say to Archippus--The Colossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed, "Speak ye to Archippus." This proves that Scripture belongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen may profitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so in meekness. BENGEL suggests that Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Church assembly by weak health or age. The word, "fulfil," accords with his ministry being near its close (Col 1:25; compare Plm 1:2). However, "fulfil" may mean, as in Ti2 4:5, "make full proof of thy ministry." "Give all diligence to follow it out fully"; a monition perhaps needed by Archippus. in the Lord--The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christian minister, is to be done (Col 4:7; Co1 7:39; Phi 4:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And say to Archippus,.... A name common among the Grecians. This person the apostle calls his fellow soldier, in Plm 1:2 and who was now the minister of the Gospel at Colosse, his fellow minister, or co-pastor Epaphras, being at Rome, and a prisoner there; though by some he is said to be the first bishop of the Laodiceans, but it seems most likely that he now resided at Colosse, and was their minister: who being negligent in his office, they are called upon to say unto him, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The "ministry" he had, was not that of the office of a deacon, as some have thought, but of a preacher of the word; and this he had "received" gifts for, and was called unto it, and installed in it; and that "in", and "by the Lord" himself, and to whom he was accountable for it: and therefore it was incumbent on him to "fulfil it"; by constantly preaching the word, and faithfully administering the ordinances; by defending truth, detecting error, reproving vice, visiting the sick, and comforting the feeble minded; taking heed in all things to himself and doctrine, that he feed the whole flock of God with wholesome food; and, as a wise and faithful steward, give to everyone their portion of meat in due season: hence it appears, that when ministers are negligent in the discharge of their duty, the church has a power to admonish and exhort them to a diligent performance of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 Archippus: See also Phlm 1:2. We have no way of knowing more about the ministry the Lord gave him.
Colossians 4:17
Signature and Final Instructions
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.17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Christian Leadership) the Aroma of Christ
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:23:02JOB 33:7MAT 6:33LUK 22:40JHN 13:34ACT 1:82CO 2:15COL 4:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving words of encouragement to our loved ones. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are truly living like Christ and spreading a positive aroma through their actions and words. The speaker encourages believers to be a blessing wherever they go and to speak words that God can use to touch people's hearts. He also highlights the need for Christians to live in such a way that others see Christ in them, even if they never see them again. The speaker criticizes the degradation of the concept of being witnesses for Christ and urges believers to take their walk with God seriously, rather than comparing themselves to other Christians. He warns against the decay and corruption in Christendom and emphasizes the importance of serving others rather than seeking distance and awe like royalty.
Take Heed to Yourselves
By Bill McLeod1.5K54:58Sober MindedMAT 6:33ACT 6:4ROM 15:4COL 4:171TH 5:211TI 4:162TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal preparation before delivering a message. He shares that he spends two hours preparing for a sermon, with the majority of that time dedicated to prayer and preparing his heart. The preacher believes that the effectiveness of a message is determined by the person delivering it, as it is an extension of their character. He warns against becoming like Demos, who abandoned his ministry due to his love for the world. The preacher encourages listeners to take heed of the ministry they have received and fulfill it faithfully.
Letters to 7 Churches 08 Sardis-a Cold Heart
By James Booker68343:58MAT 6:33MAT 25:16LUK 19:13ACT 13:2ACT 14:26COL 4:17REV 3:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message given to the church in Sardis in the book of Revelation. The solemn call to the church is to remember, retain, and repent. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering what they have received from the Lord and holding fast to it. He also highlights the need for repentance and getting involved in the work of the Lord. The sermon concludes with the promise of rejoicing and satisfaction for those who remain faithful and conquer for the Lord.
The Prison Epistles 08 Balanced chr.life
By David Clifford67851:49COL 4:2COL 4:5COL 4:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Colossians chapter 4 and highlights three exhortations: prayer, walk, and speech. The first exhortation is about prayer, emphasizing the importance of continuing in prayer and being thankful. The second exhortation is about the believer's walk, urging them to walk wisely and carefully for the sake of their testimony and to make the most of opportunities. The third exhortation is about speech, encouraging believers to speak in a way that is sound and edifying. The speaker emphasizes the need for balance in these three areas to become a perfectly balanced Christian.
Ministry Assignments
By Jim Cymbala66526:11Ministry AssignmentsPerseverance in FaithMinistryMAT 5:14ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 6:9EPH 4:11PHP 2:14COL 4:172TI 4:2HEB 10:241PE 4:10Jim Cymbala emphasizes the importance of recognizing and fulfilling our individual ministry assignments as Christians, urging the congregation to understand that every believer has a vital role in the body of Christ. He draws parallels between the responsibilities of Timothy and Archippus, highlighting the need for perseverance in ministry despite challenges and societal pressures to conform to popular beliefs. Cymbala encourages believers to seek their unique calling and to actively engage in the work of the Lord, reminding them that true fulfillment comes from serving others and sharing the gospel. He warns against the temptation to become mere spectators in church, stressing that every Christian is called to contribute to the body of Christ in meaningful ways.
Definitions of Revival
By Ron Noble5371:19:54RevivalMAT 6:33COL 4:171TI 4:162TI 2:152TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being called by God at a young age. He recounts how he felt a strong burden to attend a camp and followed that calling, which transformed his life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not loving the world and its desires, as it can hinder our relationship with God. He also highlights the significance of each individual's ministry within the church, stating that God has given every believer a specific role to fulfill. The speaker encourages listeners to find and fulfill their God-given purpose, which brings fulfillment and prevents discouragement.
Colossians Chapter 3 the Christian Worker in Colossians
By A.B. Simpson0Faithfulness in ServiceChristian MinistryCOL 1:3COL 1:24COL 3:22COL 4:7COL 4:17A.B. Simpson explores the characteristics of the ideal Christian worker as depicted in Colossians, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and service. He highlights figures such as Tychicus, who exemplifies a faithful minister, Epaphras, who embodies a prayerful ministry, and Aristarchus, who represents a suffering ministry. Simpson encourages believers to recognize their roles in God's work, whether through active service, prayer, or even silent suffering, and to remain steadfast in their commitments. Ultimately, he points to Paul as the ideal minister, whose life of prayer, love, and sacrifice serves as a model for all Christian workers.
The All-Inclusive Goal
By T. Austin-Sparks0Church Unity and GrowthThe Fulness of ChristROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 1:23EPH 4:10EPH 4:13COL 4:171TI 4:142TI 1:62TI 4:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate goal of the Church is to attain 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,' as stated in Ephesians 4:13. He explains that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is essential for His completeness, and that various ministries within the Church must work together in harmony to achieve this goal. Each member's unique gifts and functions should be recognized and utilized for the collective growth of the body, avoiding imbalance that can lead to weakness. Sparks highlights the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in discovering one's ministry, rather than relying on human appointment. Ultimately, the Church's progress towards the fulness of Christ requires mutual cooperation and a focus on spiritual maturity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Say to Archippus - Who this person was we cannot tell; there have been various conjectures concerning him; some think he was bishop, or overseer of the Church at Colosse, in the absence of Epaphras. Whatever he was, it has been supposed that he had been remiss in discharging the duties of his office; and hence this direction of the apostle, which appears here in the light of a reprehension. But if the same person be meant as in the Epistle to Philemon, Plm 1:2, whom St. Paul calls his fellow laborer and fellow soldier, it cannot be supposed that any reproof is here intended; for, as the Epistle to the Colossians, and that to Philemon, were evidently written about the end of the year 62, Archippus could not be a fellow laborer and fellow soldier of the apostle at Rome, and yet a delinquent at Colosse at the same time. It is more likely, therefore, that the words of the apostle convey no censure, but are rather intended to stir him up to farther diligence, and to encourage him in the work, seeing he had so much false doctrine and so many false teachers to contend with.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
say to Archippus--The Colossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed, "Speak ye to Archippus." This proves that Scripture belongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen may profitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so in meekness. BENGEL suggests that Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Church assembly by weak health or age. The word, "fulfil," accords with his ministry being near its close (Col 1:25; compare Plm 1:2). However, "fulfil" may mean, as in Ti2 4:5, "make full proof of thy ministry." "Give all diligence to follow it out fully"; a monition perhaps needed by Archippus. in the Lord--The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christian minister, is to be done (Col 4:7; Co1 7:39; Phi 4:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And say to Archippus,.... A name common among the Grecians. This person the apostle calls his fellow soldier, in Plm 1:2 and who was now the minister of the Gospel at Colosse, his fellow minister, or co-pastor Epaphras, being at Rome, and a prisoner there; though by some he is said to be the first bishop of the Laodiceans, but it seems most likely that he now resided at Colosse, and was their minister: who being negligent in his office, they are called upon to say unto him, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The "ministry" he had, was not that of the office of a deacon, as some have thought, but of a preacher of the word; and this he had "received" gifts for, and was called unto it, and installed in it; and that "in", and "by the Lord" himself, and to whom he was accountable for it: and therefore it was incumbent on him to "fulfil it"; by constantly preaching the word, and faithfully administering the ordinances; by defending truth, detecting error, reproving vice, visiting the sick, and comforting the feeble minded; taking heed in all things to himself and doctrine, that he feed the whole flock of God with wholesome food; and, as a wise and faithful steward, give to everyone their portion of meat in due season: hence it appears, that when ministers are negligent in the discharge of their duty, the church has a power to admonish and exhort them to a diligent performance of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 Archippus: See also Phlm 1:2. We have no way of knowing more about the ministry the Lord gave him.