Paul completes his letter to the Ephesian believers. It is replete with instruction and encouragement. Though the letter is complete, something is yet missing. Paul knows they need more than a letter. Because he can’t go, he considers Tychicus. What do we know about this man Paul calls Tychicus, for what reasons is he being considered and what will be his purpose?
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What Do We Know About Tychicus?
We first hear of Tychicus in the book of Acts. When Paul was travelling in Greece, a few men accompanied him to Asia. There was Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, along with Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. These men went ahead to Troas and waited for Paul. Tychius was a fellow traveller on Paul’s mission’s trip to Asia.
For What Reason is He Being Considered?
We know a bit about Timothy, but not much about the others. So why would Paul consider this fellow? Paul tells the Ephesians Tychicus is “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.” Paul knew Tychicus. He was there when Eutychus fell asleep under Paul’s preaching and fell out of a third-story window. Tychicus would have seen the man considered being dead come back to life. He was a steady fellow. They broke bread together, prayed together, and experienced the journey together. They were part of a brotherhood, those bonded as one in Christ Jesus with a mission to preach the gospel. Because of such knowledge, Paul could count on Tychicus.
What Will Be His Purpose?
Paul’s letter had been intense. Yet, there was more he wanted to communicate. To do so required someone Paul could trust. He needed someone who knew what he was going through and his affairs. Beyond that, Paul could trust Tychicus to not only give them accurate information, but he would also comfort them. He would do so not with simple platitudes, but from the truth of God’s word and his knowledge of God’s work on the mission. Therefore, he chose Tychicus.
Sometimes the message needs human interaction. A text message doesn’t always cut it. There are times actual faces need to show up where fellow pilgrims ask questions and gain information about the work of God in spreading the gospel. Words don’t always communicate the complete story. It is these times God needs people like Tychicus, men and women beloved and faithful. Then those not on the mission journey can take part by learning the needs to pray for and to find comfort from the stories told of God’s work in the world.