Faithful in the little things

Colossians 4:7-9

[7] Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. [8] I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, [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.

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It is here that Paul now introduces the messengers of his letter to the church of Colossae, Tychicus and Onesimus. If you can imagine, it is likely these men were present as the church read for the first time this instruction and teaching from Paul. In his letter, Paul gives a great sense of real people who are tethered to the good news he shares. It shows that the truth of Christ has an impact on everyday people who all become part of the method in which God uses to proclaim His salvation.

These men carried out a significant task in delivering this letter, ensuring clear communication of the truth of God to the Church. It could be viewed as just an encouraging letter, but in fact, it was the inspired Word of God that now has reached us. Delivering this encouragement is not what makes these brothers in Christ faithful or even beloved to Paul. It was the fact that they were already faithful that they committed to assuring the letter reached its destination.

Tychicus

Tychicus is first noted in Acts, joining up with Paul during his two years proclaiming the gospel in the province of Asia. Finding new life in Christ, Tychicus traveled with Paul to Jerusalem, then Rome, where Paul would be arrested for testifying about Jesus. The fruit of Tychicus’ faithfulness is evident in Scripture. He faced many trials alongside Paul and took on the task to continue to deliver the truth of Christ to the churches when Paul could not.

Onesimus

Onesimus’ transformation in Christ is on full display here, thanks to his old life being well documented in Philemon. In his unbelief, he caused much strife, bitterness, and wronged Philemon, as a bond servant. Even still, as Philemon began to live for Christ, he freed Onesimus from his slavery. This act of mercy was not what changed Onesimus’ heart, but when the gospel of Jesus reached his ears. Onesimus was now on his way back to reconcile with Philemon as brothers in Christ.

What is crucial to understand about these men is that Tychicus is not a scholar, not a recorded writer. Onesimus is not a priest with a spotless life. They don’t need to be, in order to have been used in the forming of the Word of God. They both are servants; someone who had faith in the little things which God used for even greater things that they could not see.

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Questions

Q: How can testimonies like these encourage us to let go of our past and let God use us?

Q: Why is it important to be in service with other believers?

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The phrasing of verse 7 is also found at the end of Ephesians, concluding that the letters were sent out together.