The Greek name Archippos (Ἄρχιππος) means "master of the horse" — from archos (ruler/chief) and hippos (horse). Archippus was a Christian in Colossae or Laodicea, probably associated with the household of Philemon, and mentioned in two Pauline letters.
Paul refers to Archippus as "our fellow soldier" in Philemon 1:2 — a military metaphor that places him among those actively engaged in the spiritual battle of the gospel. In Colossians 4:17, Paul delivers a pointed charge to Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." This suggests Archippus had been entrusted with a specific task and may have been wavering. The exhortation carries urgency: divine callings are not optional assignments to be completed at leisure. Like a soldier under orders, Archippus is called to see his mission through to completion — a challenge equally relevant to every believer today.