Faithful Messengers – Colossians 4:7-9 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 4:7-9 (ESV)
"Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,
and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here."
Laying the Foundation: The Power of Gospel Partnerships
As Paul closes his letter, he begins mentioning specific people who played a crucial role in his ministry. These were not famous preachers or miracle workers, but faithful, humble messengers.
Tychicus and Onesimus were trusted servants of Christ, sent to deliver Paul’s letter and encourage the Colossian believers. Their example teaches us about faithfulness, encouragement, and the importance of serving others.
Let’s break this passage down.
1. Tychicus: A Faithful Messenger (v.7-8)
"Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord."
"Tychicus" – He was a close companion of Paul, mentioned in Ephesians 6:21, Acts 20:4, and 2 Timothy 4:12 as one who traveled with Paul and delivered letters to various churches.
"Beloved brother" – Paul speaks of him with deep affection, showing the importance of Christian friendships.
"Faithful minister" (διάκονος, diakonos) – This means a servant, one who carries out a mission. Tychicus was not preaching to crowds, but he was faithfully delivering and explaining Paul’s letters.
"Fellow servant in the Lord" – Paul saw him as an equal in ministry, a true co-laborer.
"I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts."
Tychicus was not just delivering information. He was sent to encourage.
He reminds us that serving in small ways (like delivering a letter) is just as important as preaching or teaching.
Reflection:
Are you faithful in small acts of service, even if they go unnoticed?
How can you be an encourager to those around you?
2. Onesimus: A Transformed Brother (v.9)
"And with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here."
"Onesimus" – This name would have immediately stood out to the Colossians. He was a runaway slave from Colossae, who had stolen from his master, Philemon, and fled to Rome.
"Faithful and beloved brother" – Instead of referring to him as a former slave, Paul calls him a brother in Christ. His past did not define him. Jesus did.
"Who is one of you" – This was a reminder to the Colossians that Onesimus was now their equal in Christ.
Paul had actually written another letter at this time. The letter to Philemon urged Philemon (Onesimus’ former master) to receive him back as a brother, not a slave. This is a beautiful example of how the gospel breaks down social barriers and transforms lives.
Reflection:
Do you struggle to see past someone’s former mistakes to who they are in Christ?
How does the story of Onesimus remind you of God’s power to redeem anyone?
Final Thoughts: Faithfulness in the Small Things
Paul’s mention of Tychicus and Onesimus reminds us that ordinary faithfulness matters in the kingdom of God.
📜 Tychicus teaches us that even small roles (like delivering letters) are important.
🔄 Onesimus reminds us that no one is beyond redemption—God transforms lives.
💌 Both men were entrusted with the gospel message and served faithfully.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I willing to serve in small ways, even if no one sees?
✔️ Do I believe that God can redeem and restore anyone?
✔️ How can I be an encourager to those around me?
Tomorrow, we’ll continue looking at Paul’s final greetings and what they teach us about Christian community.
