Tychicus: Sent to Colossae
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Tychicus is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for his role as a faithful companion and messenger of the Apostle Paul. His mention in the Scriptures highlights his dedication to the early Christian mission and his trusted position within the Pauline circle.

Biblical References

Tychicus is first introduced in Acts 20:4, where he is listed among the companions of Paul during his third missionary journey. He is described as a native of the province of Asia, which aligns with his later missions to the churches in that region.

In the Epistle to the Colossians, Tychicus is specifically mentioned as being sent to Colossae. Colossians 4:7-8 states, "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts." This passage underscores Tychicus's role as a bearer of news and encouragement, entrusted with conveying Paul's circumstances and teachings to the believers in Colossae.

Role and Character

Tychicus is characterized as a "beloved brother" and "faithful minister," indicating his close relationship with Paul and his reliability in service. His designation as a "fellow servant in the Lord" reflects his commitment to the work of the Gospel alongside Paul. The trust placed in Tychicus to deliver important messages and provide encouragement to the early Christian communities speaks to his integrity and dedication.

Mission to Colossae

The mission to Colossae was significant, as the church there faced challenges from false teachings and needed reassurance and guidance. Tychicus's role was not merely that of a courier; he was a representative of Paul, tasked with reinforcing the apostle's teachings and strengthening the believers' faith. His presence would have been a source of comfort and authority, as he communicated Paul's instructions and updates.

Further Mentions

Tychicus is also mentioned in other Pauline letters, such as Ephesians 6:21-22 , where Paul writes, "Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts." This parallel passage to the Colossians reference highlights the consistency of Tychicus's role across different communities.

Additionally, in 2 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 3:12, Tychicus is mentioned in the context of being sent to Ephesus and possibly to Crete, further illustrating his ongoing involvement in the ministry and his trusted status as a messenger and support to Paul.

Legacy

Tychicus's contributions to the early church, though not extensively detailed in Scripture, are significant. His faithfulness and service exemplify the qualities of a devoted disciple and collaborator in the spread of the Gospel. Through his missions, Tychicus played a crucial part in maintaining the connection between Paul and the early Christian communities, ensuring the continuity and encouragement of the faith during a formative period in church history.
Nave's Topical Index
Colossians 4:7,8
All my state shall Tychicus declare to you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Supremacy of Christ
... Time and Place.+"This Epistle was written at Rome and sent by the messenger,
Tychicus, (4:7, 8, 18) to the church at Colossae about 63 AD. ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study ix the supremacy of.htm

The Epistle to the Colossians.
... He sent through Tychicus (Col.4:7) a letter to the ... 4:16); at the same time he sent
through Onesimus a ... his master, Philemon, a member of the church of Colossae. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 94 the epistle to.htm

The Epistle to the Ephesians
... (2) If these Epistles had been sent from Rome, Tychicus and Onesimus would
have arrived at Ephesus first and then at Colossae. But ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the ephesians.htm

The End
... an one was Onesimus, a slave from Colossae, who arrived in Rome as a runaway, but
was sent back to ... Timothy and Luke, Mark and Aristarchus, Tychicus and Epaphras ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

The Epistles of the Captivity.
... he expresses the hope of soon visiting Colossae and Philippi. ... were composed about
the same time and sent by the same messengers (Tychicus and Onesimus) to ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 93 the epistles of.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ...
... The Church at Colossae was not founded by St ... Paul sent this letter, together with
that to Philemon and ... circular which we call "Ephesians," by Tychicus from Rome ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiv the epistle of.htm

The Epistle to Philemon.
... heard in the weekly meetings at Colossae, or through ... as a penitent, in company with
Tychicus, the bearer of ... Paul accordingly sent back Onesimus to his rightful ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 98 the epistle to.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... studied the Mosaic law, and sent tribute to ... his fellow-prisoner from Thessalonica;
Tychicus from Ephesus ... Epaphras and Onesimus from Colossae; Epaphroditus from ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

The Revelation of St. John the Divine
... and from what place, or what occasion they were sent. ... Onesimus of Colossae, 177
Onesiphorus of Ephesus, 206 Oral teaching ... Paul, 121 Tychicus of Asia, 172, 176. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxv the revelation of.htm

Resources
What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Titus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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Tychicus: Accompanies Paul from Greece to Asia
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