Fulfill YOUR Ministry

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 4:16-17 CSB - After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."

OBSERVATION:
Paul closes his letter to the Colossians with a charge—not only to the church in Colossae but also to the nearby church in Laodicea. He commands that both congregations read the letter aloud.

In his final remarks, Paul singles out a man named Archippus and says: Colossians 4:17 CSB - "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."

Who was Archippus, and what was his ministry?

While Scripture provides limited information, a few clues help us piece together a picture:

• Archippus is also mentioned in Philemon 1:2, where Paul calls him a “fellow soldier.”
• He is listed alongside Philemon and Apphia, likely indicating he was part of Philemon’s household. Many scholars suggest that Archippus may have been their son.
• Some traditions hold that Archippus was a church leader in Laodicea, located about 12 miles from Colossae.

Whatever the case, we know two things:

1. He had received a ministry from the Lord.
2. Paul felt it necessary to exhort him to complete it publicly.

That encouragement should stir all of us to pay attention to the ministry God has given you—and finish it.

APPLICATION:
A common misconception today is that ministry is primarily the pastor’s job. While pastors carry a unique calling, the church’s ministry is not reserved for the pulpit.

Paul clarifies the pastoral role in Ephesians 4:12 (CSB):

“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.”

• The pastor’s job is to equip.
• The church’s job—the saints’—is to do the work of ministry.

Sadly, in many churches today, a small percentage—often just staff and leadership—handles most ministry, while the rest of the church merely spectates. Imagine the impact if every believer fulfilled the ministry God has given them.

What can we learn from Paul’s charge to Archippus?

Pastors: Are we equipping the saints? Have we allowed other demands to distract us from our calling to prepare God’s people for their ministries?

Believers: Are we fulfilling our God-given ministries, or are we waiting for someone else to do what God is asking of us?

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me fulfill the ministry You’ve given me today—both personally and pastorally.
Guard my heart against distractions and lesser things. Help me stay focused on preaching the gospel and equipping the saints. Give me eyes to see the ministries You’ve entrusted to others—and the courage to call them out and encourage them. May Your church rise up, with every part doing its part so that You may be glorified through us all.