Bible Strands
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Colossian church, instructing them to deliver a direct message to Archippus during the scheduled exchange of letters with the Laodicean congregation.
The words — The imperative βλέπε (blepe) commands "take heed," paired with παρελάβες (parelabes) meaning "you have received," which frames the διακονία (diakonia) or ministry as an entrusted task rather than a personal pursuit.
The thread — This charge to faithfully steward a received role appears in 2 Chronicles 29:11 as a warning against negligence, in Acts 1:17 regarding shared ministry, and identifies Archippus as a fellow soldier in Philemon 1:2.
Why it lands — The text requires active vigilance in fulfilling a specific duty, demanding that the reader examine their own stewardship against the standard of what was explicitly entrusted to them.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Cross-references
- Philemon 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
- Acts 1:17 He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
- 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”
- Ezekiel 44:23 They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.
- Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
- 1 Timothy 4:6 By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
- 1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
- 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”