Many years ago, while preparing an expository sermon, I focused on the individuals to whom Paul refers in Colossians 4, a passage that functions as the letter’s conclusion. In this pericope (discrete portion of Scripture) Paul is either explaining why someone (like Tychicus) is doing something, or sending saluations on the behalf of someone (like Artisarchus), or expressing his own heart toward people located in Colossae or nearby Laodicea (like Nympha and Archippus). Whether it was good exposition or not, the tack I took in this sermon was to comment on what might be deduced about the ministry potential of each person named, and to challenge the members of my congregation to emulate the best while eschewing the worst.

For example, there is Tychicus–a Christian who is willing to be sent. There is Onesimus–a new convert willing to make things right between himself and another brother in Christ at great cost to himself (see Philemon 1:8-21). There is Aristarchus–a devoted Christian worker willing to suffer imprisonment for Christ. There is Mark–a brother willing to bounce back after an embarrassing ministry set-back (see Acts 15:36-40). There is Justus–a believer willing to put aside inherited cultural distinctives because he felt an even greater loyalty to the kingdom of God. There is Epaphras–the prayer warrior with a pastor’s heart. There is Luke–a highly educated man who humbly believes and serves the cause of Christ. There is Demas–a Christian worker who, sadly, will later defect from the ministry, if not the faith (see 2 Tim 4:9-10). There is Nympha–a Christian woman willing to have a church meet in her home. Finally, there is Archippus–the brother in Colossae who has received a ministry assignment from the Lord, and who, apparently, needs to be encouraged to complete it.

Believe it or not, the sermon went over pretty well!

Recently, while reading this passage as part of a morning quiet time, Paul’s reference to Archippus in Colossians 4:10  seemed to jump off the page at me. I got the distinct impression that I was supposed to create a post that would direct someone’s attention to these words. Why? I can only surmise that someday, someone will read these words and have the Holy Spirit whisper into their heart the message: “You are Archippus. You need to complete the work you have received from the Lord.”

According to Philemon 1:2, Archippus seems also to have been host to a church meeting in his home. Perhaps Archippus was saying to himself, “I’m already doing enough. I can’t, or shouldn’t have to, do anything more for the cause of the kingdom.” Then came Paul’s letter to the Christian community there in Colossae. Just before the missive concludes, Archippus finds himself being called out by Paul. “Archippus, you need to complete the work you have received from the Lord.”

Are you Archippus? Is there something (maybe something else) you know down deep in your heart that you’re supposed to do for Christ?

Something to think about.