Fellow Soldiers

Paul’s recognition of Archippus as a fellow soldier reminds us that the Christian life is a spiritual battle—and we’re called to fight alongside one another.

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.”—Philemon 1:1–2 NASB

To Paul, Archippus wasn’t just another Christian. Instead of just going through the motions of Christianity, Archippus was a “fellow soldier,” a warrior who recognized that the followers of Jesus are in a spiritual battle.

We have a real enemy and must be armed, spiritually prepared to fight. In addition to personal warfare, Archippus was willing to stand alongside Paul and other believers in this epic battle.

By calling special attention to Archippus, Paul seemed to imply that some Christians were not “fellow soldiers.” Although they believed in Jesus, they didn’t think of themselves as soldiers. They may have gone to church, but they weren’t actively engaged in spiritual warfare.

Today, many Christians don’t have the kind of commitment Paul found in Archippus. They don’t realize we’re in a spiritual war and fighting an enemy who will stoop to anything to defeat us. Satan is the father of lies, and he seeks to distract us, destroy our testimony, and rob us of God’s blessings.

You’re a soldier in this battle. You have a fierce enemy who will use any weapon he can to attack and destroy you and your loved ones—emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually.

Commit to being a “fellow soldier” in God’s army. Submit your life to Jesus, your Commander-in-Chief. Be on your guard, and stay sensitive to His Holy Spirit. Obey His Word. Serve in unity with your fellow soldiers, your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to live as a fellow soldier today?