March 16
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INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS
15 Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. – Colossians 4:15-18
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In an article entitled “Nympha: a house church leader in the Lycus Valley” by Marg Mowczko, an Australian theologian and writer wrote in summary: Whether Nympha lived in Laodicea or Colossae, or even Hierapolis, there is little doubt she hosted a house church. This means she may have been the patron and, most likely, the supervisor of the congregation. That Paul does not greet anyone else connected with the house church, makes the idea fairly certain that Nympha was its leader in verse 15 and Paul definitely approved of her leadership.
According to gotquestions.org, many believe Archippus to have been the son of Philemon and Apphia, close friends of Paul’s. The connection between Archippus and Philemon seems clear in Philemon 1:2–2, “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” Paul is writing to a household. Philemon; his wife, Apphia; and his son, Archippus comprise the family unit. The church of Colossae met in their home.
Some believe Paul’s words to Archippus to “complete the ministry” are a gentle rebuke for having neglected certain of his duties. But a majority see Paul’s admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement,
In this letter, we see how Paul exercises his authority on the churches that was planted as a result of him bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. He specifically instructs those in leadership to ensure that they are fulfilling their roles and exercising their gifts to build the church and bring glory to the heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• Why is important for church leaders to be accountable to their spiritual head?