“Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts…” Colossians 4:7-8
Though only mentioned five times (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12), Tychicus receives a glowing endorsement from Paul (more precisely, the Holy Spirit). These high praises are captured in three descriptors in Colossians 4:7 (cf. Ephesians 6:21). This evening, we will begin looking at Bible characters who are “modest but mighty,” and I hope this quick glance at one such character will prime us to recognize the immense value of those who quietly, energetically, and faithfully go about kingdom business. People are naturally drawn to those who do grandiose things, but the true glory of the Lord’s church is in the day-to-day, moment-to-moment acts of service carried out by His faithful servants, often without being seen. This series is intended to encourage every member of this body by highlighting the significance of your contribution to the work we have been given to do.
There is little record of Tychicus’ activities in the Scriptures. In Acts 20:1-6, he was one who traveled with Paul on his third missionary journey. In Ephesians 6 and Colossians 4, Paul sent him to deliver news of Paul’s condition while in prison. In 2 Timothy 4:12, Paul mentioned sending him back to Ephesus with no mention of his specific duties. And in Titus 3:12, Paul was either going to send Artemas or Tychicus to Crete to work with Titus. Such vague mentions may lead one to conclude he was of little consequence in the church, but this is woefully misguided. Though the details of his activities are somewhat obscure, their value to the work is vividly portrayed in Paul’s three descriptors. As we will see, we should all be a Tychicus in our respective spheres of influence.
First, he was “…a beloved brother…” What a powerful statement of solidarity with Tychicus. The greatest human relationship one can have is that between brothers and sisters in Christ. We all understand familial ties, shared parentage, marital connection, etc., but all those relationships have an expiration date. We eventually lose all such relationships, although we will always cherish their memory (cf. Matthew 22:23-33). Conversely, brotherhood in Christ is eternal, enduring even after the whole created order is dissolved (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Furthermore, it is a brotherhood shared with Christ the Lord (Matthew 12:48-50; John 20:17; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11-12), being founded on shared parentage with God as our Father (Romans 1:7; Galatians 1:3; Colossians 1:2). Being spiritual brethren is honor enough, but Tychicus was a beloved brother. His character endeared him to the brethren.
Second, he was “…a faithful minister…” This word minister basically means “one who renders service to another, an attendant, a servant” (Mounce). In its official usage, it is translated as a deacon, so it is possible this is the meaning Paul has in mind, but the context seems to simply commend his faithfulness in service. In Ephesians 4:11-12, the reason given for the gifts of apostles, prophets, etc. was to equip the saints for the work of ministry (from the same root as that describing Tychicus). It is quite likely one key reason Paul and others loved him so was his faithful fulfillment of the ministry of the saints.
Finally, he was Paul’s “…fellow servant in the Lord…” The essence of the idea is that, to the same degree that Paul considered himself a slave of Christ Jesus (Romans 1:1), Tychicus willingly yielded to the yoke of service to Christ the Master and his faithfulness in fulfilling those duties. People of all kinds unite around shared principles, forming strong bonds with one another. Paul held Tychicus dearly in his heart on the shared principles of service to Christ.
So, as we begin pondering some of the less well-known characters who impacted the church in the New Testament, may we all strive to be a Tychicus to those around us. Never think you faithful service is not impacting the kingdom and this congregation. No matter how modest you think your service to be, it is mighty in bringing about the Lord’s intended ends.