“Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.”
The third description of Tychicus is a “fellow servant.”
“and fellow servant in the Lord”
The word “servant” here is a slave. Tychicus was a fellow slave with Paul. You can tell something about the capacity of soul of someone by the way he treats his associates. The eight individuals listed in his paragraph are Paul’s associates. None of them were as gifted as the apostle Paul. Yet we see the size of Paul’s soul by how he treats his colleagues. We do not read any sermons that Tychicus preached, books he wrote, or churches he founded, yet Paul calls him a “fellow slave,” someone who served the Lord sacrificially.
“will tell you all the news about me”
Paul does not give a complete account of his present estate in jail because Tychicus will do that personally when he arrives in Colosse.
Even though the Colossians had never met Paul (Col. 2:1), they cared about him. They knew his impact on the Roman world. Thus, Paul sent Tychicus from Rome to give them the latest news about the apostle. Tychicus will allay their concern about him. He will share how Paul faired physically, materially, and spiritually.
Principle:
There is greatness in inconspicuous service.
Application:
God uses people who are not conspicuous or spectacular. Tychicus was a man of great importance to the apostle Paul.
The term “fellow servant” indicates how Paul viewed his status among his coworkers. He viewed them as equals.
Paul never told “religious lies” about his colleagues, describing them more than what they were. He never exaggerated their accomplishments. However, he did give them their due. He accurately estimated their abilities and qualities. This thumbnail sketch of Tychicus was accurate. He was not only a brother but a “beloved brother.” He was not only a minister but a “faithful minister.” He was not only a servant but a “fellow servant.”
