As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you…
Summary: We know next to nothing about Artemas and very little about Tychicus, but what we do know suggests that God’s army was both faithful and busy.
To paraphrase Shakespeare, “Tychicus, Tychicus, wherefore art thou, Tychicus?” Tychicus appears to have been a very busy associate of Paul’s. Wherefore art Tychicus? Almost everywhere it would seem.
We do not know a lot about Tychicus, but we do see his name sprinkled throughout the New Testament. In Acts, chapter 20, we meet up with Tychicus traveling with Paul from Greece to Macedonia. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem.
There is no other reference to Artemas in the New Testament as far as I know. Tychicus, however, is described by Paul as a “dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21). In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he describes Tychicus as “a faithful minister” (Colossians 4:7).
There are a few things we can learn about Tychicus from these sketchy notes.
1. Tychicus was considered a brother in the faith. Being called a “brother” is likely a reference to Matthew 23:9 where Jesus says, “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.” Since we all have the same father, we are all brothers and sisters in faith.
2. Tychicus, more than just a brother, is a “dear” brother (Ephesians 6:21). Strong’s tells us that the Greek translated as “dear” means “beloved, esteemed, dear, favorite.” Tychicus was well thought of by Paul.
3. Tychicus is a “faithful servant in the Lord.” It seems clear from the few references to Tychicus, that Paul found him willing to do almost anything in the service of the Lord. He appears to have traveled to Ephesus and Colossae for Paul, as well as traveling to Crete.
4. The reference to being “faithful” tells us that Paul could rely on Tychicus. More than just being willing to go, Paul trusted him and had confidence in his abilities.
5. Colossians 4:7 mentions that Tychicus is a minister. The use of the Greek word “syndoulos” suggests that Paul thought of him as someone like himself who worked in the service of promoting the Gospel.
In his letter to Titus, Paul tells him that help is on the way! Artemas and Tychicus are coming.
Application: Tychicus sets an example for us in his willingness to do the legwork needed to support the early churches.
Food for Thought: Why did Artemus and Tychicus do what Paul asked?
My favorite verse about Tychicus is Colossians 4: 7a: “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.” It goes on to say that he is a “beloved brother. “
I think Tychicus did what Paul wanted him to do for three reasons that we see in the texts you mentioned.
1. He loved Jesus and was obedient to Him.
2. He understood his role in ministry as a support to Paul. In this, he understood Paul’s authority as an Apostle. So he submitted to Paul out of love and obedience to Jesus.
3. He loved Paul. The good relationship we see between the two and the mutual love and respect no doubt made it easier to fulfill his role.
Rich,
Thank you! Excellent points! I guess before there was a telephone and a teletype there was a tele-Tychicus! 🙂
😎
Why did Artemus and Tychicus do what Paul asked?
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
These are not just words written by Paul. These are eternal truths experienced by Paul as he lived in obedience to the Holy Spirit who directed Paul to record these eternal truths for the benefit of all believers.
He is clearly defining “the only holy sacrifice which is acceptable to God. ” Paul had successfully lived within and met or exceeded all the standards of righteousness established by men. However when faced with the revelation of Gods standard of righteousness for all mankind, he knew in his heart, he was the chief or greatest sinner of all. He deserved death but in Gods mercy and grace, he received full forgiveness and LIFE through FAITH in Christ as he gave himself to Him, to be used by Him as He determined.
Philippians 3:6, 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 3:10-12, Philemon 8-9,
Paul also wrote, faith comes from God, is our assurance of things hoped for, knowing things we do not see are true. By faith we understand that the universe was created from nothing by the word of God. Without faith we cannot please God, and those who choose to receive Him must believe He exists and will rewards all who seek Him. It is by grace we are saved through faith. It is the gift of God, not the result of we might do and be proud of. We are to stand firm and hold to the truth we receive from Him.
Hebrews 11:1-7, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Paul served God in the power of the Holy Spirit. He praised only the works of God on earth while rejecting all things done by men as nothing. Of course he was a powerful speaker, and used by God to perform many miracles. Men and women of God would be drawn to Paul, a great man of God, and be honored to do whatever he would ask.
Ron,
Thank you for your words today. You point to Paul’s relationship with Truth and with God and the power of God that was manifested in him through faith in Jesus. To serve Paul was to serve God. It must have been an honor for men like Artemus and Tychicus.