One of the things that makes Bible study so enjoyable is reading about faithful brothers or sisters in Christ for whom there is very little information given. Why is that enjoyable? First, it rejoices the heart that God saw fit to introduce them to us, even if they were not “a big name in the church” (from our perspective). Second, it refreshes the soul to try to relate to them today, knowing that even if there is not much known about me, I can still be useful to the Lord. Third, it revives a longing to be in heaven to meet these brethren and to learn of their devoted service to the Lord.
One such brother in Christ was Tychicus. His name is found five times in the New Testament. He is first found in a list of some of Paul’s travel companions on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). Paul told the church in Ephesus that he was sending Tychicus to them from Rome, so that they would know how Paul was doing (Eph. 6:21). Paul told Titus that he may send Tychicus to relieve him in Crete (Tit. 3:12), and near the end of Paul’s life, he sent Tychicus to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).
The verse that tells us the most about Tychicus is a single verse in Colossians, where we learn three things about him. However, the three things we learn are the kind of Christian character for which we must strive today, nearly 2,000 years later. Think about each description from Colossians 4:7.
Tychicus was “a beloved brother.” First, he was a brother in Christ. Paul was a Jew, and Tychicus was a Gentile. But, in Christ, those distinctions made no difference (Rom. 1:16; Gal. 3:28). Second, he was beloved—a word that means “one who is dearly loved, prized, valued.” Do you have any beloved brothers? Have you told them such? Are you a beloved brother to any brethren in Christ?
Tychicus was a “faithful minister.” First, he was a “minister,” which is from the Greek diakonos—a word that emphasizes “one who renders service to another; a servant.” Second, he was faithful, which not only shows that he was trustworthy and dependable, but he was dutiful and devoted in those efforts. Do you know any faithful servants in the church? Are you a faithful servant in the church?
Tychicus was a “fellow servant in the Lord.” First, the word “servant” is from the Greek for “slave,” which denoted one who gave himself up to the will of another. Second, he did not do this on his own, but “fellow” emphasizes a unity and fellowship of many slaves. Third, note carefully that his service was focused “in the Lord.” Do you know any fellow servants in the Lord? Are you a fellow servant in the Lord?
Are YOU a Tychicus? What a great example for us!