- Sharing burden: Paul did not write about his condition in the letter to Colossians, but left it to Tychicus and Onesimus to explain his situation to the believers. When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers and among them was Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul to deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:1-9:15). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were also referred in the (2 cor.8:19-24 ).
Tychicus and Onesimus:
Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph 6:21) and the Colossian letter. Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.
- Tychicus was a beloved brother: He was willing to stay with Paul even though the situation was difficult. He was also a faithful minister. His love revealed itself in action. He ministered to Paul, so that he could fulfil many obligations.
- Tychicus was also Paul’s fellow servant: Though he was not an apostle he was assisting Paul in his apostolic ministry. Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord. Later, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12), and then to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).It was not easy for Tychicus to be associated with Paul, the prisoner since Paul had many enemies. Nor was it easy for Tychicus to travel as he did, assisting Paul in his various tasks. Tychicus did not take the easy way, but rather the right way. Our churches today could use more members like Tychicus!
- Onesimus was from Colossae: (“One among you”) who came from Colossae. He was the runaway slave who belonged to Philemon and he was saved somehow through Paul’s ministry. Paul sent back Onesimus to his master with a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him. It is interesting to note that Paul also called Onesimus faithful and beloved. Onesimus had been a believer only a short time, and yet he had already obtained approval from Paul.
- Tychicus and Onesimus: Both had dual ministry to perform to encourage the Colossian believers and to inform them about Paul’s situation. Paul wanted the Colossian saints to know his situation so that they can pray for him. He wanted his friends in Colossae to know the facts and to support him in prayer. All believers must make it a habit to enlist the special burdens of missionaries and evangelists and pray for them.
Instead of using our tongue for gossip and malicious criticism, we can use tongue, heart and mind to involve in the effective ministry. Yes it should be our earnest desire to put our body and tongue for the extension of God’s kingdom.
Apostle Paul’s mention of his friends:
- Aristarchus: (4:10a,11): He was a fellow prisoner and fellow worker. He hails from Macedonia and was one of Paul’s travelling companions (Acts 19:29). He was originally from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4) and willingly risked his life in Ephesian riot (Acts 19:28-41). He sailed with Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2), which meant he also experienced the storm and shipwreck that Paul went through in (Acts 27).
Aristarchus stayed with Paul no matter what the circumstances were a riot in Ephesus, a voyage, a storm or even a prison. Perhaps he shared Paul’s confinement with him so that he could be a help and comfort to the apostle. He was a voluntary prisoner for the sake of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
Paul could not have accomplished all that he did apart from the assistance of his friends. Aristarchus stands out as one of the greatest of Paul’s helpers. He did not look for an easy task. He did not run away when the going got tough. He suffered and laboured with Paul.
- John Mark (4:10 b): Mark, the writer of the second Gospel, played a very important role in the early history of the church. He too was a Jew, a native of Jerusalem where his mother, Mary, kept “open house” for the believers (Acts 12:12). John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, the man who went with Paul on that first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3). It is a good possibility that John Mark was led to faith in Christ through the ministry of Peter (1 Pet.5:13).
When Paul and Barnabas set out on that first missionary journey, they took John Mark with them as their assistant. He probably took care of the travel arrangements, supplies, etc. But when the going got tough, John Mark abandoned the preachers and returned home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:5-13).
Why John quit Paul’s company was not explained in Scripture. Perhaps he was afraid, for the group was about to move into dangerous territory. Perhaps he resented the fact that Paul was taking over the leadership of the mission and replacing his relative, Barnabas. Or maybe John Mark resented Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. Whatever might be the reason or excuse, he left them and returned to home.