Colossians, Class 26

In class 26, Paul transitions to points about various Christian friends. Here, Paul mentions Tychicus, who delivers the letter and other news. Tychicus carried this message, and several others, from Rome and was accompanied by Onesimus. Among the letters Tychicus carried was one Paul wrote to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21). Tychicus is also mentioned in Acts 20:4, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12.
Paul makes three positive statements about Tychicus. First, Paul calls him "a beloved brother" (also Ephesians 6:21). Tychicus mainly was likely a Gentile believer and had served alongside Paul previously (Acts 20:4) in addition to being with him in Rome to help deliver his letters. Second, he is called a "faithful minister" (Ephesians 6:21). Tychicus likely served as a church leader. Only Epaphras is given this same title (Colossians 1:7). Third, Paul says Tychicus is a "fellow servant in the Lord," also a title used for Epaphras (Colossians 1:7).
Colossians 4:7-18 ends Paul's letter to the believers at Colossae in his typical fashion. Most of Paul's letters begin with an introduction, transition from ideas into applications, and then end with general news and greetings. Here, Paul mentions explicitly the town of Laodicea, which was about 12 miles away from Colossae. He also refers to several fellow Christians, some mentioned in other letters, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke.
#biblestudy #OnlineBibleStudy #bibleverse #bible #onlinebibleclass #christianeducation #faithformation