Tychicus
“Fortunate”
Summary
Tychicus was a faithful Christian minister from Asia who served as Paul's trusted messenger, carrying several of his epistles and bringing news to the churches.
☩Character and Service
Tychicus was a native of the Roman province of Asia, associated particularly with Ephesus. Paul described him with remarkable warmth as 'a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord.' He was commissioned not only to deliver letters but to communicate personally about Paul's circumstances and to comfort the hearts of the recipients. His repeated service over many years demonstrates his trustworthiness and the high esteem in which Paul held him.
☩Carrying Paul's Letters
During Paul's first Roman imprisonment, Tychicus was entrusted with carrying the Epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians, and probably also the letter to Philemon. He traveled with Onesimus, the runaway slave, providing protection and support for him as he returned to his master Philemon. Tychicus would make known to the churches all things concerning Paul's state and provide pastoral encouragement.
☩Later Ministry
After Paul's release from his first imprisonment, Tychicus continued serving alongside the apostle. Paul wrote to Titus that he might send Artemas or Tychicus to relieve him in Crete. In his final letter, Paul informed Timothy that he had sent Tychicus to Ephesus—possibly to take Timothy's place so Timothy could come to Rome before Paul's execution. Tychicus thus served faithfully to the very end of Paul's ministry.
Related Verses7 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tychicus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tychicus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tychicus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).