But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
We are memorizing verse 22 this week, but it doesn’t make sense without verse 21.
How many sermons have you heard about Tychicus? Probably not any. But Paul said he was a brother and faithful minister in the Lord. Paul mentions him in Acts 20:4, and in Colossians 4:7. A brother-an endearment from Paul. Paul cared about Tychicus. He trusted him to deliver this letter to the Ephesian church and he was to encourage them. He also delivered a letter to the church at Colossae.
They didn’t have pony express, phones, or internet. You wrote a letter and someone had to go to the location and deliver it. No mail service. Paul entrusted that to Tychicus.
Paul wanted him to encourage the believers. Tychicus was to let the churches know how Paul was doing in prison, and then let Paul know about the growth and lives of the people in the churches.
How about us? God has given each of us a talent to be used for the Lord. Are we faithful ministers, using our talents for Jesus? Are we memorizing scripture?
Forgive me, Lord, when I put other things ahead of You!
~ Mary M.