We first hear
of him in Acts 20:4 on Paul’s fateful journey to Jerusalem as one of his
companions. Sopater (son of
Pyrrhus) from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from
Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia
accompanied Paul Act 20:4(GW). His name
means fortuitous (or fortunate); we shall be blessed and indeed fortunate
having such a believer about us. A close confidant of Paul’s; indeed the
closest of all those we know.* This is he that Paul wrote of saying Tychicus will tell you everything that has happened to
me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the
Lord. I am sending him to you for this
very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your
hearts Col 4:7-8(ISV).
Many a minister
has been betrayed by close confidants.
Some fear to give other up and coming believers the pulpit or the charge
of the congregation in their absence fearing a “coup”. How many trusted men of
God have secretly nursed the congregation under them for the take-off of their
personal ministries when the occasion became “ripe”, as when an imminent
fallout with the overseer and superintendent looms. Is this why so many ministries require a separate oath of allegiance
not only to Jesus Christ but also to the founder/bishop/overseer? Would God
more follow the example of Tychicus. Entrusted with the details of Paul’s
struggles and imprisonments he did not set about to displace Paul from the
headship of the churches. David had his 3 mighty men; unselfish valiant soldiers
who laid down their lives and exercised their faith to accomplish the work of
God through David. Paul was blessed (fortunate) to have men like Titus,
Timothy, and Tychicus. I see no struggles for supremacy or authority recurrent
among the 12 apostles whilst Jesus walked on earth. But they kept
silent, because they had argued on the road with one another about who was the
greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve, and told them, "If anyone
wants to be first he must be last of all and servant of all."Mk 9:34-35(ISV). Nor
was he like Demas, abandoning the service for the love of this world. A
versatile minister at home with ministering to Paul and capable of handling
churches in diverse cultures and challenges. He was safely sent to Ephesus, Colossae,
and waiting on the wings to get to Crete [As soon as I send
Artemas to you, or perhaps Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis Tit 3:12(ISV)];
and in the closing days of Paul’s life back to Ephesus. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus 2Tim 4:12(ISV).
Doubtless we shall see more of him in heaven.
Can men share
their temptations with me and find prayerful strength and no betraying gossip?
Can I be a Tychicus: a confidant and strengthener of men? Who knowing the
travails and weaknesses of great men never exploit it but are faithful? Am I
ready to be posted anywhere? Are the brethren fortunate you are there?
*Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible
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