“But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts” (Ephesians 6:21-22).
The Bible reader is introduced to this godly Christian in Acts 20. Though the Bible writers exercise their usual brevity and economy of words, the pregnant descriptors used in reference to Tychicus deliver a worthy example to study and imitate. In the first consideration of Tychicus (see yesterday’s post), we observed that: Tychicus was trustworthy, and Tychicus was a beloved brother.
To this we can add the following truths:
Tychicus was a faithful minister (diakonos) in the Lord. Tychicus recognized the superior authority Jesus had entrusted to the apostles and wholeheartedly submitted himself to Paul as a dependable emissary for him. In addition to being sent to Ephesus and Colossae with inspired epistles, he was also considered by Paul for a trip to Crete to work in Titus’ stead (Titus 3:12). Prior to Paul’s execution, Tychicus was sent by Paul from Rome to Ephesus again (2 Timothy 4:12). Like the three mighty men who loved and served David (2 Samuel 23:14-16), the apostle Paul’s wish was Tychicus’ command.
Tychicus was a fellow servant (sundoulos) in the Lord (Colossians 4:7). Like the angels in heaven (Revelation 19:10; 22:6), the martyrs who died for their fidelity to the word of God (Revelation 6:11), Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), and Paul himself, Tychicus understood Christ’s absolute authority over him and sought to live as a pleasing, obedient bondservant of His Master. He had freely chosen to belong to Christ, and he sought to submit himself to Him in everything.
Tychicus was an informed messenger. Tychicus knew the state of Paul’s affairs, and Paul knew he could and would inform others accurately and honestly about his current circumstances. Just as he believed Tychicus would be an excellent peacemaker in reconciling the penitent runaway Onesimus with his master Philemon (Philemon 1-16), Paul was confident Tychicus’ report about him—Christ’s ambassador in chains—would be delivered in such a way as to comfort troubled hearts.
Trustworthy. Beloved. Faithful. Obedient. Honest. Comforting.
What a spiritual giant Tychicus was!
