Colossians 4:7-9

Paul wraps up his letter with commendations, greetings, and final words. The first of these is found here: a warm introduction to two faithful brothers.

Tychicus (7-8): Paul sent Tychicus to deliver this letter.1 He was a long-time companion of Paul's who knew his circumstances well.2 Thus, Paul sent him to give an update on their situation in Rome.3 Moreover, he was to "encourage your hearts"4 with the Word. In addition to giving an update, he was to give this encouragement. Paul calls him a "beloved brother" and commends him as "a faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord."5 This man was dependable. The Word of God advanced through reliable men like Tychicus.

Onesimus (9): The second man, Onesimus, was to join Tychicus in informing the church. He was a Colossian native ("one of your number") and a slave who escaped from his master. While a fugitive in Rome, he was saved through Paul (Phm. 10) and became a "beloved brother," but more than that, a "faithful brother," even a personal minister to him (Phm. 13). But Paul returned him to his master. The will of God for slaves was clear: they must obey their master (3:22). God's Word always trumps our own wants/needs. Thus, Paul sent Onesimus to serve his master, and he willingly went. He was indeed faithful.

1 In addition to Colossians, he delivered two more epistles on this trip: Ephesians and Philemon. 2 During his third missionary journey (which begins in Acts 18:22-23), Tychicus and others accompanied Paul from Greece onward (Acts 20:1-4). He likely remained with Paul from then on until his Roman imprisonment. 3 This update was for Paul and his companions (4:10-14). Tychicus updated others also (Eph. 6:21-22). 4 In 2:2, this phrase describes the effect of the preaching of the Word (1:25-2:2). Tychicus was a capable minister of the Word whom Paul relied on to relieve other like ministers (2 Tim. 4:9-13; Tit. 3:12). The task of encouragement was given to him (not Onesimus), and it is best to see it as involving the ministry of the Word. 5 "Servant" (NASB) is a "minister" (ESV). "Bond-servant" is the word for "slave." Paul used both phrases to describe another fellow worker, namely, Epaphras (1:7). Tychicus was a fellow minister like him.

Col. 4:7-9 [7] As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. [8] For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; [9] and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. Acts 18:22-23 [22] When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. [23] And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 20:1-4 [1] After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. [2] When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. [3] And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. [4] And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. Col. 4:10-14 [10] Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark … [11] and also Jesus who is called Justus … [12] Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, … [14] Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. Eph. 6:21-22 [21] But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. [22] I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us … Col. 1:25-2:2 [25] Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, … [29] For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. [2:1] For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, [2] that their hearts may be encouraged … 2 Tim. 4:9-12 [9] Make every effort to come to me soon; [10] for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. [12] But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Tit. 3:12 [12] When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Col. 1:7 [7] just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, Phm. 10 [10] I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, Phm. 13 [13] whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel; Col. 3:22 [22] Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.