17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” (The Message)
Archippus is mentioned twice in the New Testament with little help in explaining who he is, what ministry he has received, or what role he played in the early church. There is some tradition that he was an early bishop or one of the 72 disciples appointed by Jesus. But the truth is that we just don't know much if anything about him. What we can tell is that he was important in the moment that the letter was being written and that Paul wanted to make sure that he received a note of encouragement.
I wonder what difference it might make if I substituted my name or you substituted your name for Archippus? I know there are days that I get discouraged by the ministry that I'm called to be a part of. The truth is that there are times that I think it would have been easier if I would have ignored the call of Jesus and gone my own way instead. I need the encouragement of others when times are difficult and there seems to be no hope of anything really changing. Today I'm going to allow myself to hear Paul's words to Archippus as words directed toward me, will you allow them to be your words as well?
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think might have been the ministry of Archippus that was so important that Paul wanted to make sure it was seen to its completion?
- Have you ever received words of encouragement from someone that allowed you to finish a difficult task when you had thought of giving up? What were they?
- Who might you bring a word of encouragement to today so that they will know how important you believe their role is in God's kingdom?
- What do you need encouragement in today that will keep you doing the work of Jesus tomorrow?
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