In reading the title many of you will have no idea what or who Tychicus was. That’s ok, I’ll tell you. Paul, at the time of the writing of his letter to the Colossians, is sitting in jail in Rome. He was over 1000 miles away from many of the churches he wanted to communicate with, and unless someone delivered a message from him there would be no way they could know what was going on in Paul’s life. Paul needed someone he could trust to deliver a letter to them. He needed someone he could trust to carry his message. This was Tychicus.
Colossians 4:7-8 “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;”
He not only carried the letter to the Colossian church, but also to the Ephesian church, and the church which met in Philemon’s house. He was a true and trusted friend. Paul proclaimed him a beloved brother. Tychicus had won the respect and love of his friend Paul. He was a brother because he and Paul were both saved and in the family of God. That is a given for all in the family of God, but not all family members are described as beloved. Paul had a special appreciation for Tychicus’ servanthood, his love for the church of God, and his desire to do whatever he could to encourage those in the faith.
Paul trusted Tychicus to not only deliver his letters but also trusted him to tell by word of mouth about his well-being.
Ephesians 6:21 “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:”
Tychicus was also an encourager. In the letter he delivered to the Ephesians Paul states that he sent Tychicus to not only let them know how he was doing but also that he might comfort them.
Ephesians 6:22 “Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.”
Tychicus was a trusted messenger, a faithful preacher, and a loyal friend. I can’t think of better qualities for a person to have. To be trusted by others is huge. It gives evidence of your integrity. It means you will do what you say you will do, and when you say you will do it. It means others can bear their soul to you and it will stay confidential.
He was faithful. Faithful entails more than being available when it is convenient. It is a continual action that doesn’t change with feelings or situations. He was constant and steadfast. If a person is faithful to God, it means God is the priority of their life. Church attendance, study, prayer, loving others, and sharing their faith are all top of the list. A faithful servant does whatever it takes to obey and please the master. He was faithful to the word which resulted in being faithful to push forward to deliver these letters to the churches.
He was also loyal. Paul describes him as a loyal friend. Not just loyal to the cause of Christ, but loyal as a friend to him. To be loyal is to give and show constant support and allegiance to someone. What a relationship.
We all long to have someone we can feel this way about. Someone, that no matter what you do, you know they will be there for you. Someone you can trust enough to tell you the truth, even when it hurts. Someone so loyal to you that you don’t ever have to question their support. These are rare qualities in the world we live in today. However, they are needed and desired qualities for those we are to live, work, and worship with.
Let’s turn the corner. Are you this kind of person? Are these the qualities your associates, family, and friends would say about you? These are qualities that don’t just “happen.” They must be cultivated and fed. They develop as we learn more and more about Christ and seek to emulate Him.
So, who is your Tychicus? Are you being a Tychicus?
