7”Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,” (Colossians 4:7–8 (ESV)
At the end of the Apostle Paul’s letters, he included final greetings. These concluding remarks usually included his mention of fellow servants of Christ who ministered to him and alongside him. For the next several weeks, we’ll discover some insights from Paul about his many companions. Today, it is Tychicus. Wo exactly was this individual?
Tychicus was one of many believers in Christ accompaning Paul when he collected and delivered offeringings for the Jerusalem church (Acts 20:4). He is often mentioned with Trophimus of Ephesus, Tychicus was perhaps a native of that city. Tychicus served as the courier for Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Eph 6:21) along with Paul’s letters to Philemon and the Colossians (Col 4:7).
Commentator Walter Elwell says, “Most believe that he was also one of the two Christians (with Trophimus) who accompanied Titus in the delivery of 2 Corinthians (2 Cor. 8:16–24). Paul mentioned Tychicus twice in his later letters, first sending him to Crete to be with Titus (Titus 3:12), and later mentioning to Timothy that he had sent Tychicus to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12). Evidently, Tychicus and Paul were close friends as well as coworkers, since Paul frequently referred to Tychicus as a “beloved brother.”
Paul not referred to Tychicus as a beloved brother but also a faithful minister. This meant Tychicus was trustworthy, dependable, committed and honorable unto the LORD and also to Paul. The word minister (διάκονος; diakonos) means one who serves the needs of believers.
Tychicus was also a fellow servant (σύνδουλος; syndoulos). This meant Paul and Tychicus were fellow slaves belonging to Christ. In a day and culture in which ministers elevate themselves to semi-divine status, these two men identified themselves as slaves serving their LORD and Master; Jesus Christ.
Paul sent his fellow servant and faithful minister to the Colossians for two reasons. First, to let them know how Paul and his companions were while he was in a Roman prison (Acts 28). Second, to encourage their hearts in the things of God.
“The reasons for recommending Tychicus so highly are also similar to those given in the case of Epaphras. It stands to reason that Tychicus, having just now spent some time with Paul and being a man of sound judgment, would be the right person to supply all the necessary information about Paul and his companions and fellow-Christians in Rome,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
In our living for the Lord this week, may we emulate the example of Tychicus. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
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