Archippus was a first-century Christian leader mentioned in the biblical epistles of Philemon and Colossians. Living in Colossae, he is addressed by the apostle Paul as a fellow soldier and a host of the local church. Paul encouraged him to fulfill the specific ministry he had received from the Lord. While his exact historical details are limited to these New Testament references, he remains a significant figure in early Christian tradition.
Historical role
In the New Testament, Archippus is identified as a member of the church community in Colossae. He is grouped with Philemon and Apphia, who served as hosts. Some traditions suggest he was one of the seventy-two disciples appointed by Jesus, while other accounts from the fourth century identify him as the inaugural bishop of Laodicea in Phrygia.
Veneration
The Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on March 20. He is also honored within the Eastern Orthodox Church on multiple occasions, including the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4 and alongside Philemon and Apphia on February 19 and November 22. Tradition suggests he met his end through stoning.