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. Ephesians 6:21
As we read through the New Testament, we encounter a man named Tychicus several times. In Acts 20, he is one of seven men who accompanied the apostle Paul on his journey from Corinth to Jerusalem. Of his personal background, we know only that he was a native of Asia Minor. In at least two places – in today’s text and in Colossians 4:7 – we find he is commended as a ‘beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord’. We discover in Colossians 4:7 that Paul sent Tychicus with Onesimus to carry letters to the Colossian Assembly and to Philemon who lived in Colosse. We also read of Paul sending Tychicus to help Timothy in Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12), and sending him to Crete to visit Titus (Titus 3:12). Beyond that, we know very little of this good man. We don’t know where or how he was saved, what his occupation was before entering into the work with Paul, what family he might have had, and what great events occurred to him during his life. But we do know what is most important about him: his faithfulness to his Lord and to the Lord’s servants. What more important things could anyone say about us?
Tychicus was apparently willing to go anywhere that Paul needed him to go. And Paul had full confidence that Tychicus would do exactly what was needed of him. What a comfort that must have been to Paul as he languished in prison, unable to travel and minister as he used to. But with Tychicus in action, Paul saw his work go on. Maybe he couldn’t preach like Paul (or maybe he could), and maybe he lacked Paul’s deep knowledge of the Scriptures, but Tychicus was undoubtedly an able substitute. And Paul was encouraged by his efforts. Did you ever think about how you can encourage other Christians, even the preachers, by being a faithful helper? What can you do? Well, what could Tychicus do? He made himself available, and he was willing. Do other Christians know that we are available and willing to help them?
Of course, Tychicus could not have been much help to Paul if he knew little of the Scriptures. He would need more than a working knowledge of the Gospel and of the basic doctrines of Christianity. So would we, if we are to be useful to the Lord and to His people. Being available and willing is important, but being able makes our help so much more valuable.
Let us aspire to be beloved brothers and sisters to the Lord’s people, and to be faithful servants to them and to the Lord. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/Akq-RYBuZMY