26. In Missions – Send the Light! (4)
Hymns: RHC 457 Must I Go, and Empty-Handed 459 So Send I You 466 Go Labour On
Colossians 4:7-18
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. <Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.> (Col. 4:7-1:1 KJV)
In Missions – Send the Light! (4)
OUTLINE
In Missions – Send the Light! (Col. 4:2-18)
- Pray for Open Door (v2-4)
- Spirit-Led and Urgency (v5)
- Equipping (v6)
- Fellow Labourers (v7-18)
Continued…
(4)Fellow Labourers (v7-18)
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
The Apostle Paul had co-workers who supported his ministry. Tychicus was one beloved brother who served with him. This man will personally carry the letter and share it with the church in Colosse whom the church likely knew.
Acts 20:4 (KJV) And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
A.D. 30 – Death of Jesus
37 – Conversion of Paul (Acts 9)
44 – Death of James, son of Zebedee (Acts 12)
44-46 – Paul and Barnabas at Antioch (Acts 12: 24, 25)
47-49 – First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14)
50 – Conference at Jerusalem (Acts 15)
50-53 – Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16-18)
54-58 – Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18-21)
58 – Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21)
58-60 – Caesarean imprisonment (Acts 24-26)
61-63 – First Roman Imprisonment (Acts 28)
67-68 – Martyrdom of Paul and Peter, and perhaps of Luke.
| Acts 1:1-8:4 | Acts 8:4-12:25 | Acts 13-28 |
| Central CityJERUSALEM | Central CityANTIOCH | Central CityROME |
| Jewish Christianity | GentileChristianity | UniversalChristianity |
| LeaderPETER | LeaderPETER and BARNABAS | LeaderPAUL |
| The City | The Provinces | The World |
| A.D. 30-37 | A.D. 37-47 | A.D. 47-63 |
| 7 Years | 10 Years | 16 Years |
| DEPTHThe Church Established | BREADTHThe Church Expanded | LENGTHThe Church Extended |
| Relation of the Epistles to the Acts | |||
| Within the Period of Acts | Beyond the Period of Acts | ||
| A.D. 44-63 | A.D. 63-96 | ||
| 44-49 52-5357575862-6362-6362-6362-63 | James1-2 Thessalonians1-2 CorinthiansGalatiansRomansEphesiansColossiansPhilemonPhilippians | 64-6767-6865-676767-6864-6766-6890-9596-97 | 1 PeterJude1 TimothyTitus2 TimothyHebrews2 Peter1-2-3- JohnRevelation |
Acts 19:1-12 (KJV) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hishands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
It was during those days when the church in Colosse was planted after the Apostle Paul stay for 2 years in Ephesus to teach the Word of the Lord Jesus.
Tychicus is one of Paul’s missionary colleagues with him in Rome as he writes this letter. According to Acts, Tychicus was from the province of Asia, which may very well mean that he was actually from Ephesus. He is not mentioned in the account of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) nor did he accompany Paul on his harrowing sea voyage to Rome. This means he probably journeyed from Ephesus to Rome specifically to help Paul. Paul’s warm description of him as a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord indicates that the Lord has used him to encourage Paul in his difficult circumstances. Now out of his concern for the Asia Minor Christians, Paul sends Tychicus back home to Asia Minor, where he will deliver the letter to the Colossians (Col. 4:7) and this letter to the Ephesians.[1]
Therefore, Paul sends no information about his present situation. The Colossians will want to know everything; Tychicus will give them all the information they desire. See the close parallel in Eph. 6:21, etc. See this passage regarding Tychicus. He was to take the three letters (Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon) to their respective destinations; we think he was also to deliver the letter to the Laodiceans.
Ephesians 6:21 (KJV) 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:
In Eph. 6:21 Paul calls Tychicus “the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord”; here Paul adds a third term, “fellowservant.”
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
All three terms are objective, and hence no possessive pronoun such as “my,” “our,” “your” is added. “Beloved brother” places Tychicus among all the Christian brethren as being one of them, who has become beloved by those who know him.
At the same time, he is a “faithful minister” who as such has rendered true service to the church, which all should appreciate. With this second designation goes “fellowservant,” a fellowservant of Paul and of Timothy (1:1) who submitted his will completely to the Lord.
The last two terms refer to work done and being done and are thus modified by “in the Lord,” “beloved brother” is quite complete in itself.
Ἔπεμψα “I have sent” is an epistolary aorist; we should say, “I am sending.” The Greek thinks of the arrival of the letter and its reading in Colosse; the English of the time of its writing.
Paul is sending his letter by a man such as Tychicus for the same purpose, you might know get to know the things concerning us (Paul and Timothy, etc., 1:1), and that he may comfort your hearts”.
Some other messenger might not have been able to supplement Paul’s letter in this way. So, the Colossians may ask Tychicus everything; that is why he is being sent. The things concerning us has the same plural that is used in Ephesians.
Although the Colossians had never had Paul in their midst, they are deeply concerned about him and would like to know how he is faring in Rome. Tychicus will comfort their hearts by relieving all anxiety they may have. Things are going well enough for Paul and for the friends about him.
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Associative σύν “with” adds the thought that Paul is sending Onesimus along with Tychicus. All that Paul says is that he is “from you.” This slave ran away from his master in Colosse, came into contact with Paul in Rome, and was converted and completely changed. Paul is now sending him back to his master.
Tychicus is serving as his protector, for a runaway slave was liable to arrest anywhere by the fugitivarii or slave catchers who were everywhere on the lookout for such slaves. Paul does not say what the congregation is to do with this slave; he says only that he is sending him back as “a faithful and beloved brother” who is from their city. The rest is to be found in Paul’s letter to Philemon. This designation is quite sufficient. The Colossians will receive Onesimus as “a faithful and beloved brother” (these same three words are also used to characterize Tychicus).
The implication that the Colossians will receive Onesimus as a brother lies in the last brief addition: ” They shall make known unto you all things which are done here,” a quiet but significant plural.
Onesimus is to help Tychicus tell what the congregation will want to know. They will receive him in the congregation, will accept him as a brother, one of Paul’s own converts who was brought to Christ in such a strange way. Paul dictates and commands nothing; he has the fullest confidence in the Colossians. Their hearts will tell them what to do. Let your imagination picture the scene when Tychicus brought Onesimus back to Colosse, when the remarkable news spread, when Philemon had his slave back with a special letter from Paul, when the congregation met, heard Paul’s letter to them, etc. Wonderful, indeed! the whole of it exceedingly fine. [Lenski]
Hendricksen likewise observed, “Tychicus was one of Paul’s intimate friends and highly valued envoys. He hailed from the province of Asia, and had accompanied the apostle when at the close of the third missionary journey the latter was returning from Greece through Macedonia and then across into Asia Minor and so to Jerusalem on a charitable mission (Acts 20:4); that is, on that trip Tychicus had traveled in advance of Paul from Macedonia to Troas, and had been waiting for the apostle in that city.
And now, some four years later, having spent some time with Paul in Rome during the latter’s first Roman imprisonment, Tychicus had been commissioned by the apostle to carry to their destination not only the epistle to the Colossians, as implied here in Col. 4:7, 8, and the one to Philemon, as a comparison of 4:9 and Philem. 1, 8–22, would appear to indicate, but also the letter that has been transmitted to us as the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Eph. 6:21, 22, which is almost identical with Col. 4:7, 8).
Colossians 4:9 (KJV) With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Philemon 1 (KJV) Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 8-22 (KJV) Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Ephesians 6:21-22 (KJV) 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: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
The description of Tychicus as the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord is nearly like that of Epaphras (though not in word-order). There is essential identity. Hence, see on Col. 1:7.
Colossians 1:7 (KJV) As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
And the reasons for recommending Tychicus so highly are also similar to those given in the case of Epaphras. It stands to reason that Tychicus, having just now spent some time with Paul and being a man of sound judgment, would be the right person to supply all the necessary information about Paul and his companions and fellow-Christians in Rome.
Besides, paper was not as plentiful and cheap as it is today, the circumstances under which Paul, the “aged” prisoner (see on Philem. 9) had to dictate his letters were not altogether favourable, certain things are better said than written;hence, for such and similar reasons Paul continues: who I am sending to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstance. Not only this, however, but also, and that he may strengthen your hearts, probably by stilling your fears (cf. Phil. 1:12–14), by delivering to you this very letter, and in general by orally supplying the “atmosphere” of consolation and spiritual strengthening based upon the promises of God.[2]
Philippians 1:12-14 (KJV) But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
“Fellowprisoner” means that Aristarchus shared the special hardship that was incident to Paul’s gospel warfare.
The second person is John Mark, the writer of the second Gospel, who is named also in Philemon 24 as being among Paul’s fellow workers.
Philemon 24 (KJV) Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Paul and Barnabas took him along on their first missionary journey, but Mark left them and went home; therefore, Paul refused to take him on his second missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5; 13:13; 15:36-40).
We hear no more about Mark until this time. Now he is again with Paul in Rome. We should certainly like to know how he came to be here, how he had regained Paul’s full confidence and was now one of Paul’s assistants.
It is worth noting that both Mark and Luke are now with Paul. It is, however, taking too much for granted, when it is supposed that both of them possibly had their Gospels with them. As far as Luke is concerned, he had for a long time been gathering material and may have had this material with him; but both Gospels were written a little later. [Lenski]
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
“Jesus” was a name that was frequently found among Jews, “Justus” a surname which was also common among Jews (Acts 1:23; 18:7, the Latin for the Hebrew Zadok).
We know nothing further about this man. He is not mentioned in Philemon among those who are sending greetings, a fact which weighs against those critics who deny the authenticity of Colossians. A forger would not have inserted the name of this Jesus in Colossians alone. [Lenski]
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Epaphras is the founder of the Colossian congregation and perhaps also of the other two (Laodicea and Hieropolis). Paul has characterized Epaphras in 1:7, 8; what is here said of him is additional. He had told Paul about the situation in Colosse, Paul’s letter being the result.
Epaphras is apparently not yet hastening back to Colosse; what is detaining him in Rome we are unable to say. The best surmise is that he expected to return in a short time. Having come such a distance, he would want to spend some days with Paul to learn more and more from him in order the better to serve his congregation and its two neighbours. [Lenski]
Paul sends salutations from six men; so together with Timothy (1:1) there were seven with him at this time, Epaphras having recently come from Colosse and belonging there.
Aside from Epaphras none of these men had had personal contact with the Colossians. Their salutation thus means that all these assistants of Paul’s as well as Paul and Timothy are solicitous about the Colossians, concerned in their spiritual welfare.
As such Epaphras ever “agonizes” for the Colossians with strong pleading in his prayers, and his prayer for them is that they may “stand” firm and solid, “as complete,” as having reached the goal and lacking nothing to make them true Christians in every way. Note this adjective in 1:28: “every man complete in Christ.” Note Paul’s “agonizing” for this same thing in his work (1:29).
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Both of whom are in Philemon 24 listed among Paul’s fellow workers.
To Demas, Paul adds nothing. This does not mean that he is not beloved; it rather suggests the opposite since his name is combined with one who is beloved. The idea that already at this time Paul felt that Demas might become unfaithful as he indeed did (2 Tim. 4:10) is decisively excluded by Philemon 24 because there his name appears between Aristarchus and Luke.
2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Archippus was perhaps a member of the family of Philemon (Philemon 2), perhaps his son. The ministry he had received was the service committed to him when Epaphras left for Rome. We no reason for thinking of general evangelistic service. [Lenski]
He left with a message to prayer for him – remember my bonds. It will be 3-4 years before his martyrdom.
CONCLUSION
The gospel work that the Apostle Paul had took all the energy out of him. He dedicated his life to repay his gospel debt. Praise God for his example. Amen.
[1] Arnold, C. E. (2002). Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to Philemon. (Vol. 3, p. 339). Zondervan.
[2] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, pp. 184–185). Baker Book House.