Archippus is mentioned twice in the New Testament, both times in letters written by the apostle Paul. Based on the context of these verses, we can glean some information about who Archippus was and what role he played in the early church.
Archippus in Philemon 1-2
The first reference to Archippus is found at the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon. In the opening verses, Paul addresses the letter to Philemon as well as to Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon’s home:
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philemon 1:1-3)
From this greeting, we can gather a few details about Archippus:
- He was associated with Philemon in some way, likely as part of the church community that met in Philemon’s home.
- Paul referred to him as a “fellow soldier,” indicating that Archippus was a devoted follower of Christ engaged in Christian ministry.
- Since he is mentioned along with Apphia and the church, Archippus likely held some position of leadership in the Colossian church.
Although we cannot say definitively, many scholars believe Archippus was Philemon’s son based on the Greek term adelphos (“brother”) used to describe him in verse 2. In the New Testament era, this term was often used for a biological son or close family member. So Archippus may have been Philemon’s son serving alongside him in ministry.
Archippus in Colossians 4:17
The second reference to Archippus comes at the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. Paul gives a series of personal greetings to individuals in the Colossian church, including this exhortation to Archippus:
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17)
From this verse, we can learn a few more things about Archippus:
- He was engaged in ministry service in the Lord, likely in the church at Colossae.
- For some reason, Paul urged him to fully complete the ministry he had undertaken.
- Archippus held a significant enough position of responsibility that Paul addressed him personally in this letter.
Scholars generally agree that the Archippus in Colossians is the same individual mentioned in Philemon, especially since both communities (Philemon’s house church and the Colossian church) seem to have significant overlap.
Speculation About Archippus’ Role
Although the Bible does not provide many details, scholars have speculated about the specific ministry role Archippus may have filled in the Colossian church:
- Pastor/Overseer – Some think Archippus was functioning as one of the pastors/overseers of the church in Colossae. His designation as a “fellow soldier” and Paul’s exhortation indicate he held a significant leadership position with important responsibilities.
- Deacon – Others propose Archippus may have been serving as a deacon who supported the Colossian church in official ways. This role would fit with Paul’s instruction to fully complete his ministry.
- Evangelist – Still others theorize that Archippus functioned as a traveling evangelist who occasionally worked with the Colossian church. This would explain why Paul mentioned him specifically in addressing the believers there.
However, these ideas about Archippus’ role remain speculative since the Scripture does not provide definitive details. Regardless of his exact position, Paul clearly valued Archippus as an important leader and ministry partner in the early church.
Lessons from Archippus
Although Archippus only receives two brief mentions in the New Testament, some key lessons can be drawn from his example:
- Faithfulness – Archippus was referred to as a “fellow soldier” in the faith, indicating his devotion to serving the Lord steadfastly.
- Obedience – Paul urges Archippus to fully complete the ministry he had received from God, implying a need for obedience and follow-through.
- Stewardship – Archippus had clearly been entrusted with important ministry responsibilities in the church, which he needed to steward well.
- Accountability – Paul’s exhortation illustrates the need for accountability to fulfill ministry assignments the Lord gives us.
While minor characters like Archippus receive little biblical attention, their examples can still teach us important spiritual lessons today.
Summary of Archippus
To summarize what we know about Archippus from Scripture:
- He was mentioned by Paul in Philemon 1-2 and Colossians 4:17.
- Archippus was associated with Philemon and may have been his son.
- He was a respected minister referred to as a “fellow soldier” serving in the Colossian church.
- Paul exhorted Archippus to fully complete the ministry responsibilities he had been given.
- Though his exact role is uncertain, Archippus was clearly a valued leader in the early church.
- His example highlights principles like faithfulness, obedience, stewardship, and accountability for believers today.
While not a major biblical figure, Archippus provides a practical example of how even “minor” ministers in the early church played important roles and were expected to fulfill their spiritual calling with commitment and diligence. His brief mention in the pages of Scripture still has relevance for modern Christian leadership and ministry.
The Bible provides relatively few details about Archippus beyond Paul’s two brief references to him. However, from what Scripture indicates about his character and ministry role, Archippus stands out as a positive example of a faithful early church leader who needed encouragement to fully walk in his calling. Christians today can learn from his legacy the principles of diligence, obedience, and accountability in carrying out the work of God’s kingdom.
Archippus illustrates that even obscure figures in Scripture have stories worth telling. Though we know little about his life, Archippus clearly served a vital part in the early church. His ministry calling required dedication and follow-through, just as our callings from Christ demand perseverance and faithfulness today. Archippus remains an inspirational model of steadfast devotion to the Lord in whatever way He directs us to serve His people.
While the Bible does not reveal extensive details about Archippus, his inclusion in two of Paul’s letters indicates that he was well-regarded in the early church as a faithful minister and co-laborer for Christ. Though largely unknown today, Archippus’ legacy reminds us that every believer has a vital role to play in God’s work. His example calls all Christians to pursue full obedience to Christ’s purposes in each of our lives.
Archippus may not stand out as one of the most prominent biblical figures. But Paul’s brief mentions reveal that this first-century minister was deeply valued for his partnership in the gospel. Archippus is a representative of countless lesser-known disciples through the ages who have faithfully carried out their vocations. Though the details of his life and ministry are scarce, the testimony of Scripture is that Archippus was a loyal soldier of Christ committed to serving Him wholeheartedly.
While we likely all wish we knew more about Archippus based on his brief appearances in the New Testament, the mystery surrounding him provides space for important lessons. His anonymity allows believers of every generation to see themselves in Archippus’ shoes – called to serve Christ with abandon, even if our names are never well-known. The windows into his life provided by Paul offer encouragement to keep stepping up to the tasks God has set before us.
The limited information on Archippus serves as a prompt for Christians to consider our own response when opportunities arise to advance the work of God’s kingdom. Though our specific roles may look different than Archippus’, his example spurs us to fulfill every ministry calling with vigor and resolve. Archippus’ faithful service in the early church continues to echo the need for commitment, effort, and perseverance from each follower of Christ today.
Archippus may not be a biblical figure that automatically comes to mind when we think of important spiritual leaders. Yet Paul’s specific exhortations reveal Archippus as someone with invaluable gifts who was obediently stewarding a vital ministry role in service of the gospel. His witness stands as an inspiration for modern believers to follow Christ with zeal in big and small ways alike. Though the details of Archippus’ story are few, its overarching theme resounds – a life yielded in service to God is impactful no matter one’s position or renown.
Practical Applications from Archippus’ Example
While we do not know much about Archippus, some key applications emerge from his brief biblical mention that remain instructive for Christians today:
- We each have a unique ministry role to fulfill in God’s purposes, just as Archippus did.
- Our calling as believers is to serve Christ faithfully wherever He places us.
- Completing the work God entrusts to us requires wholehearted commitment and perseverance.
- As Paul did for Archippus, we need encouragement from fellow believers to steadfastly fulfill our vocations.
- Obedience to Christ means stepping up to complete the ministry assignments He gives us.
The example of this otherwise obscure biblical figure contains helpful spiritual guidance applicable within the Body of Christ today. Archippus’ legacy highlights principles of obedience, diligence, accountability, and steadfast service that are still very relevant for how believers carry out their ministry callings now.
Conclusion
In summary, although the Bible contains limited information about Archippus, we know that he was an important minister and valued leader in the early church. Paul’s exhortations reveal Archippus as someone who needed encouragement to fully walk in his calling. From the two brief verses about Archippus, we can extract lessons to remain committed, faithful, and obedient as we each fulfill our vocations from the Lord. Archippus may not be a well-known biblical figure, but his steadfast service behind the scenes sets an inspirational example for all followers of Christ.