Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
Summary: Paul leaves certain things out of his letter that he considers unimportant but that he knows will be of interest to the Ephesians. So he sends it with someone who can answer those questions, Tychicus.
Paul mentions Tychicus in four of his letters. Once in this letter to Ephesus, again in his letter to the church at Colossae (Colossians 4:7), another time in his letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:12), and finally in his letter to Titus (Titus 3:12). Luke, the author of the third gospel and the book of Acts, mentions Tychicus once.
In these closing words, Paul provides us with a resumé for Tychicus. He is a “dear brother,” a “faithful servant,” and he is “in the Lord.” Tychicus knows things, too.
Tychicus knows Paul well enough to tell the brothers and sisters at Ephesus everything they might want to know about how Paul is doing.
And how is Paul doing?
From the tone of his letter, it would seem that he has nothing more on his mind than thinking about Jesus and the church at Ephesus. The only clues Paul gives us to his imprisonment are three passing comments:
- “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles…” (Ephesians 3:1)
- “As a prisoner for the Lord …” (Ephesians 4:1)
- “Pray also for me … an ambassador in chains.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Paul is not in prison because he committed any crimes. He is in chains because certain people don’t like him. They don’t like his message, and they don’t like his success. To get rid of both Paul and his message, he is falsely accused, and the civil authorities manipulated into throwing Paul into chains.
Sound familiar?
Jesus was treated the same way. So were many of God’s prophets in the Old Testament. Stephan (Acts 6-7) was stoned to death because he talked to the people about Jesus and “performed great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)
So it is in the world, even now.
Satan’s minions react to God’s love as a wild animal reacts to a threat. The light of truth causes a fierce reaction. Even though they can’t touch the spirit, they lash out at the flesh, causing as much pain as possible.
Paul shrugs it off. He is more concerned about his beloved Ephesians than he is about himself. Tychicus can fill in the details.
Application: Expect the world to react badly to the light of Christ.
Food for Thought: What kind of person do you think Tychicus must have been?
At the very least Tychicus must have been someone trusted to deliver a message of hope. Paul first refers to him as a “dear brother” who would tell “how I am” and then a “faithful servant in the Lord” who would tell “what I am doing [in the name of Christ].” This message would provide truth and dispel rumors and fears. I believe it speaks to Tychicus’ character in Christ. Tychicus is doing more than “delivering a message” for Paul, he is bearing witness for Christ.
Nicely said, Chris!
Thank you!
The very next verse tells us that Paul sent Tychicus to encourage the hearts of the Ephesians. So he must have been an encouragement. He likely also brought the letter to the Ephesians and delivered it. So he must have been loyal and trustworthy. In our verse it calls him a dear brother and faithful. Tychicus is only mentioned about five times in Scripture. We don’t know much about him, but what we know is honorable and good. He is a good example to us of using what God gives us, including our gifts and talents, to bless others and glorify the Lord.
Thanks Rich,
I like your point about being a good example of using our gifts and talents. Tychicus works in the background of the New Testament letters. I can relate. 🙂
Great comments.
Paul describes Tychicus as a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, and trusts him to effectively, clearly communicate everything, his brothers and sisters in the Lord might ask regarding Paul’s situation. Paul is a great example to us all as he continued to be a very effective instrument of our Lord even when confined and guarded everyday.
He clearly understood our circumstances are ordained by our Sovereign Lord, as He presents unique opportunities for ministery to each of us. Paul is definitely blooming where he has been planted. .
Ron,
Good point about being an effective communicator. That skill is critical to conveying the gospel.