📖 Biblical Definition
Archippus was a minister of the gospel in the Lycus valley — almost certainly the son of Philemon and Apphia. Paul greets the household in the opening of his letter to Philemon: "And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house" (Philemon 1-2). Paul closes Colossians with a direct personal charge to him: "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it" (Colossians 4:17). The exhortation suggests Archippus was at risk of failing in his pastoral duty. The verse has therefore been quoted to countless wavering ministers ever since: take heed to the ministry; fulfill it.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
ARCHIPPUS, n.
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A scriptural proper name; in the New Testament, a minister of the gospel addressed by Paul.
📖 Key Scripture
Colossians 4:17 — "Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."
Philemon 2 — "Our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house."
2 Timothy 4:5 — "Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
1 Timothy 4:14 — "Neglect not the gift that is in thee."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern ministers start strong and stop short; Paul's message to Archippus is finish what was assigned.
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Colossians 4:17 contains one of the briefest and most pointed messages in the Pauline corpus. Paul instructs the Colossian church to deliver a personal message to Archippus: take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The verb is plerao — to fill up, to complete, to finish. Some assignment has been received; some assignment is in danger of being unfulfilled. Paul is not subtle.
Modern ministers receive callings and start strong; many stop short. Archippus's charge is for them. Take heed; do not neglect; finish the assignment the Lord placed in your hand. The reward is not in the starting; it is in the finishing. Make full proof of your ministry. The Lord receives the completed work.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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G751 — Archippos — Archippus; master of the horse
Usage
"Modern ministers start strong and stop short; Paul's message to Archippus is finish."
"Take heed; do not neglect; the reward is in the finishing."
"Make full proof of your ministry; the Lord receives the completed work."