Ἄρχιππος (Archippos)
Archippos
Archippus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Archippos means "master of the horse," combining words for beginning or chief and horse. In the New Testament, this proper noun appears only twice, referring to a specific individual in the early Christian community at Colossae. The sources identify him as a Christian teacher associated with the church there.
Paul mentions Archippus in his letter to Philemon and again in Colossians 4:17, where he urges him to "see to it that you complete the ministry" you received in the Lord. This brief command highlights his role as a leader responsible for overseeing the work of the church. The name itself suggests authority or leadership, fitting for someone entrusted with such a task.
While little is known about Archippus beyond these references, his inclusion in Scripture underscores the importance of faithful service within the early Christian communities. His story reminds readers that every believer has a ministry to fulfill, regardless of how small it may seem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Archippus means "master of the horse," a title that suggests leadership and responsibility. In the New Testament, this name appears only twice, pointing to a specific individual in the early church at Colossae. Paul mentions him in his letter to Philemon as a fellow soldier and again in Colossians with a direct charge.
That charge is simple yet profound: "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." This reminder shows that every believer has a unique role to play. It is not about grand titles but about faithful obedience to the work God has given us. Whether your task seems small or significant, it matters deeply to Him.
We are encouraged by this example to look at our own lives and ask what ministry we have received. It might be serving in a local church, caring for family, or working with integrity in our jobs. The call is to complete what has been entrusted to us, trusting that God empowers us for the task.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to Archippus;1×
- to Archippus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀρχίππῳ·1×
- Ἀρχίππῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
This verse contains the only direct command in Scripture regarding Archippus, urging him to actively complete the specific ministry assigned by the Lord.
-
Philemon 1:2
to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
Here Paul identifies Archippus as a fellow soldier, highlighting his shared struggle and partnership with other believers in the gospel mission.