Daily Reading: 13 July

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Archippus, Philemon and Apphia. 

Something to read

And say to Archippus, ‘See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.’

- Colossians 4:17, from full reading Colossians 4:2-18.

Something to think about

How must Archippus have felt! To be singled out amongst the gathered number listening to this letter. Or perhaps Paul thought Archippus may not have been there at it’s reading and wanted to make sure he felt included in the words of encouragement by this note addressed specifically to him at the end.

Archippus is one of the three hosts of the church in Colossians. Philemon and Apphia were the other two who shared the house where this fledgling Christian community met. And while Archippus gets a special mention at the end of this letter, Philemon gets an entire letter addressed specifically to him. Apphia is only mentioned by name.

However even that is an accomplishment in many bible passages where the women are rarely named.

Something to do

Read Christian Aid’s ‘Of the Same Flesh: Exploring a theology of gender’ paper

Something to pray

Thank you, God, for these faithful followers of the early church, gathered in each other’s homes sending words of encouragement even from prison. May we love and include each other with the same devotion and unity today. Amen.

Today's reading is provided by Wendy Lloyd, faith communications coordinator for Christian Aid.