“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here” (Colossians 4:7-9)

Even though it appears that Apostle Paul never visited the church in Colossae (Col. 2:1); they were very dear to him. He learned about their faith and love through Epaphras (Col. 1:7) and several who traveled with Paul were from this area (Col. 4:9, 12). Because they were so dear, he sent Tychicus to them to encourage and inform them of everything happening.

Tychicus was one of the converts that Paul took to Jerusalem to represent the believing Gentile church (Acts 20:4). He was very reliable and a great help to Paul and his ministry (2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12). This is why he had the responsibility of delivering Paul’s letters to the Colossians (Col. 4:7-9), the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21) and one to Philemon (Col. 4:9). As well as bring back Onesimus, a runaway slave, to Philemon with instructions on how to receive him as a brother in Christ. Because of Tychicus’ faithful service, the Church still has access to these powerful letters.

The reason he was sent back to this area was to inform, instruct and encourage the believers. First, he wanted to communicate to them the news of what was happening with in Rome. Remember Paul was imprisoned at this time, and no doubt it was a high profile case with all the persecution happening to the Church. Secondly, Paul wrote to correct heresies stressing Jesus’ preeminence in all things and countering subtle Jewish influences of legalism. Lastly, he wrote to encourage believers because through these letters God’s faithfulness rings clear. I am sure this church was overjoyed to see Tychicus and receive the letters. 

Time to Reflect…

I imagine that Tychicus had no idea the impact his mission of delivering these letters would have on the world for centuries. How does understanding of this help you to focus on your mission at hand? What will you do differently today because of it?