Colossians 4:17

17. Say to Archippus An office-bearer in the Colossian Church, whose duties are not easy to be defined, because of the wide scope of the word ministry. Quite likely he was a deacon. From the association of him with Philemon and Apphia in the inscription to the Epistle to Philemon, we very naturally infer that Archippus was a member of their family. It has been suggested that he may have been their son. The apostle there calls him his “fellow-soldier.” The two epistles being written at the same time, the epithet there given is inconsistent with the reprehension for negligence, which some suppose intended in the present passage. It seems rather a hearty word of encouragement and stimulation from a soul full of fire to a young minister to do his best.