Colossians 4:17

Archippus. He is mentioned only here and in Philemon 2. In Philemon his name appears in close proximity to the names of Philemon and Apphia. Apphia has been regarded by commentators as Philemon’s wife. Possibly Archippus was their son. This would coincide with Paul’s statement here (see next comment). In Philemon, Paul calls Archippus his “fellowsoldier” and mentions the church in Philemon’s house, of which Archippus may have been an officer. Evidently, like Nymphas, Philemon had thrown his house open to the brethren as a meeting place, and Archippus was associated with him in ministry of some capacity.

Ministry. Gr. diakonia (see on Rom. 12:7). The word could refer to the office of deacon (see Rom. 12:7). It suggests service (Acts 12:25), and might include the functions of pastor, or elder. Archippus is warned to take heed continually, to put his utmost effort, his closest application, into his duties; to be wide awake in all his tasks.

Received in the Lord. Paul reminds Archippus that his service was entrusted to him by the Lord. As with the priests in the OT, so with the gospel minister, “no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God” (Heb. 5:4).

Fulfil it. That is, carry out its varied responsibilities.