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Colossians 4:17
ESV And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
NIV Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'
NASB Tell Archippus, 'See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.'
CSB And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."
NLT And say to Archippus, 'Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.'
KJV And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

What does Colossians 4:17 mean?

The final individual Paul mentions is Archippus, sending him an encouragement to "fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." Archippus was likely the son of Philemon and Apphia (Philemon 1:2). There he was called a "fellow soldier" in the church that met in Philemon's house. Paul must have had some connection with Archippus in the past, whether directly or through Epaphras. Given that Paul had plans to visit Philemon in person (Philemon 1:22), it's likely he had met Archippus face-to-face.

In this verse Paul encourages this young minister to "fulfill" or complete his ministry. Like all legitimate ministers, Archippus' service was an obligation given to him by God. He had received it and was expected to stand strong in the faith. Paul would later offer similar words in personal letters to Timothy and Titus. Paul is known for his investment in younger leaders and encouraging the next generation of believers to stand strong in the faith.
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