Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 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
In the majority of Paul’s letters, he closes with a benediction and final greetings, often times giving shout outs to those for whom he is grateful. And in this letter that he wrote to the Christians in Colossae he begins that portion by mentioning Tychicus.
Tychicus is only mentioned in scripture five times (here, Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12). He likely became a believer due to Paul’s extensive ministry in Ephesus and once a believer, dedicated himself to being a companion of Paul and a fellow partner in the gospel.
But let’s take a moment to zero in on how Tychicus is described: beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant.
Firstly, Tychicus is described as a beloved brother. This is somewhat of an out-of-date description to our modern ears, but what Paul is stating is that he is a deeply loved brother. This is a massive compliment, one that many of us would be delighted to have said of ourselves. Paul had every reason to feel a deep affection and appreciation for him. Tychicus, along with Luke and several others, stood by Paul when he was arrested and later imprisoned in Caesarea. Tychicus traveled with Paul during the traumatic shipwreck while enroute to Rome where he awaited trial (2 Cor 11:25-27). Thus, Tychicus faithfully stood by Paul in many of his darkest hours. And Paul knew that just like he himself felt encouraged and loved by him, others would as well.
Further Paul points out that he is a faithful minister. We can better understand this to mean that he was a dependable assistant. Paul was given the gifts of teaching and shepherding, but Tychicus was given the gifts of faithfulness and encouragement and to that end he stewarded them well. I imagine that he didn’t feel any insecurity or jealousy that Paul was the bigger name, but relished in God’s kindness to him that he got to be a part of something much bigger than himself — bringing the gospel forth faithfully in the manner in which God called him.
Finally, Paul states that he was a fellow servant in the Lord. In a nutshell, Paul is making it plain that there is no distinction between him and Tychicus. They are fellow, or equal in rank, laborers for the gospel. Yes, Paul was a main player in the beginning of the Church age, but without the faithfulness, dependability, and sincerity of Tychicus, the inspired words that he wrote would not have gone forth. It’s sobering to think that without Tychicus’ faithfulness to the mission God called him to, we may not have this letter (along with Philemon and Ephesians).
I think a big takeaway from this is that there is much greatness in the seemingly “small things” done for Jesus and His kingdom. I imagine that at the time Tychicus wasn’t fully aware of the magnitude that his faithfulness would have for God’s kingdom. But I do think that he was fully aware that God had graciously given him the opportunity to serve His kingdom. And he did this by being faithful and loving others well.
I don’t know what “small things” God has graciously given to you. Perhaps you are in a role where you care for children or teens; teach them diligently. By God’s grace one day that fruit will sprout in their hearts because of your faithfulness to what God called you to. Maybe you are in a leadership role; steward that well. Remember, God has providentially placed employees and customers under your leadership. Places that function with honesty and integrity can be a beacon of justice and mirror the good heart of our Creator. Maybe you are a caregiver or work in service job; don’t shy away from sharing the good news of the gospel. God may allow you the opportunity to pray for someone – perhaps even changing the trajectory of his/her eternity. Perhaps you are retired and are enjoying this stage of life’s hobbies and freedom. Be careful to not squander that time. Find a way to serve others; maybe it’s the new, young mother down the road who is exhausted. Being selfless with your time and resources may very well be the first introduction she has to the tender heart of Jesus. Thus, like Tychicus, we are not fully aware of the magnitude that our faithfulness will have; but let’s be fully aware that God has graciously given us the opportunity to serve His kingdom. So do this by being faithful and loving others well.
I can’t help thinking that when Tychicus arrived with Paul’s letters, joy swelled in the recipients’ hearts seeing this faithful and encouraging brother. It really must have been a fulfillment of, “how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Rom 10:15). And I pray that as you go forward being faithful in the “small things” that you too would be described as beloved, faithful, and encouraging.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful in whatever you call me to. Give me eyes to see those whom you want me to serve. By your grace, help me to not grow weary in doing good (Gal 6:9). Empower me, by your Spirit, to be a light in the dark place so that your name may be glorified (Matt 5:16).
Reflection:
- List some of the “small things” that God has graciously given to you. Then pray. Specifically thank God for them and ask Him for wisdom and discernment as to how you can steward those well.
- Is there someone that God has placed on your heart? Who? What does that person need? What action steps can you take to serve them and also share the goodness of God?
- Do you resent or rejoice in what God has for you? If resentment, how can you move to a place of rejoicing where God has you?
