A note from the Pastor’s Desk:

“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:”

Colossians 4:7

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In the closing chapters of the Apostle Paul’s epistles, there is consistently an acknowledgment of certain faithful individuals. It is easy to overlook these as names we do not know; however, they were the heartbeat of the early New Testament church. We must remember that the Apostle penned these words from the confines of a Roman prison. He had traveled many miles preaching to these communities, but now his ability to travel is restricted. The deliverance of his message is now dependent on these faithful, courageous ministers. Our study verse this week introduces and provides authorities for one of these stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The man charged by the Apostle with delivering his letter is Tychicus. The words of the Apostle in this verse contain all the information we have about him — the Apostle trusted him, he was a fellow servant, and a blessed brother in the Lord. The journey set in front of him was more grueling than what is captured in this verse alone. Ephesians 6:21-22 tells us that Tychicus was going to Colossae (probably Laodicea) and to Ephesus. He was carrying both letters and probably delivered their messages to all three congregations. Furthermore, Tycichus was not traveling alone, and his traveling partner complicated his journey. In Colossians 4:9 (examined in a later study), we are told that Onesimus, a runaway slave, joined him. 

When the Apostle introduces Tycichus to the congregations, the descriptions he chooses are far more than warm, honorary titles; they are high-stakes, authoritative endorsements. The Apostle has spent much of this letter refuting the claims of the false teachers plaguing Colossae and the surrounding churches. He needed to provide the community of believers with public written endorsements that served as official credentials for Tycichus. By the words recorded in this verse, the congregation knew this was not just another person claiming to speak for the Apostle Paul. Tycichus was a minister sent by the Apostle himself with a message of truth for their hearing.

Tycichus was not just an ancient mail carrier. Rather, he was responsible for reading the text with proper nuance, explaining the complex theological points, and comforting the church. Tycichus had studied with the Apostle and had mastered the theological concepts that the Apostle was explaining to counter the false teachings in the region. In other words, Tychicus was a minister of the gospel and was preaching from the Book of Colossians as it was delivered for the first time. Tychicus served as the Apostle’s mouthpiece in Colossae, Laodicea, and Ephesus while the Apostle was in a Roman prison. 

Even in the era of primary apostolic revelation, God’s kingdom work has always relied on a massive, dependable network of support, unsung ministers. History remembers the writers of the epistles, like the Apostle Paul. However, the messages of these letters would have meant little to the young New Testament church without faithful ministering servants like Tychicus. 

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah