Ephesians 6:21-22
21 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: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
In the closing of His letter, Paul sends good news that there will be a brother coming to update them and comfort them, Tychicus. We want to look at the title given him, the ministry that he had, and the need we have for men and women like him. Tychicus means fortunate, and a more fitting name could not have been given to him. He was a believer from the church at Thessalonica, we learn this from the first time he is mentioned in Acts chapter 20 and verse 4. He was among the brethren from Thessalonica that accompanied Paul on his trip through Asia. That is the first time we hear of Tychicus but it certainly wasn't the last. He is mentioned 5 times throughout Acts and the church epistles. It is obvious that he was sent as a messenger concerning Paul's missionary journeys on more than one occasion, it seems that this was one of his primary ministries. He was sent to Ephesus [Eph 6:21, 2 Tim 4:12], Colossi [Col 4:7], and possibly Crete [Tit 3:12].
Something that I found very interesting about Tychicus is his placement in the epistles He is mentioned in. He was always mentioned in the closing of the last chapter. He wasn't a Timothy or a Titus or a Philemon. He wasn't a Paul or a Peter but He was one of the many overlooked brethren who were faithful ministers. There was never an epistle written to him but two epistles were written by him, Ephesians and Colossians. Tychicus reminds me of the faithful brothers who hang around till the end of service, the ones who mop the floors, the ones who go to help a missionary on their field. They're always the last ones around and the last ones mentioned. This is a position that is lacking greatly in our churches, everyone wants to be a Paul figure, or at the least a Timothy. Not many are endeavoring to be a Tychicus. Often the problem we have is we have people who wouldn't even make a good "Tychicus" who are trying to be a "Paul."
The title given to this man is overlooked but of the utmost value, "A beloved brother and a faithful minister." It is this title I want to focus on. I have many people I would consider to be brothers, but the circle becomes increasingly small when we think of who we would consider "Beloved Brethren." Consider also who this is coming from, Paul, and more so, The Holy Ghost, the author of this epistle. To be called beloved is an honor but coming from the mouth of The Almighty is a high honor indeed, and to have been the one penning these words down, what a blessing.
Secondly, the adjective faithful is added to his title, and for good reason. We find him in Acts Chapter 20, a convert of Paul's ministry becoming a servant in Paul's ministry. The last time he is mentioned in the life of Paul is in 2 Timothy chapter 4. That is the close of Paul's life and we find that Tychicus is still there, still serving, still going. The title faithful was not an empty word to flatter Tychicus but was a true statement backed up by years of faithful service to the Lord and the Man of God, Paul.
Thirdly his occupation was a minister in the Lord. Now it is vitally important to understand the meaning of the word minister. These days ministers are ministered to instead of ministering to others. The word is the same Greek word used for deacon in 1 Timothy, for the word servant in Matthew 23. He was a servant of the Lord and in the Lord. He served God by serving the Body of Christ. He went when and where he was needed. One man described his ministry with the old Willie Nelson song "On the Road Again." We find him every time on the road, going for the glory of God and the good of the Church. Oh, how we need real, biblical servants in the church these days. The Apostles gave themselves to prayer and study because there were deacons/servants/ministers that tended to the body. This is a lesson to Pastors and deacons. Paul had and used Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Onesimus, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, and more. Many times Pastors have a hard time using others, because of past hurt. Aren't you glad Paul didn't stop using young men because of Demas' forsaking? Paul used them when and where He could and if God has placed you in a pastoring position use the faithful, beloved brethren in the ministry when and where you can. Be sure they are faithful or they will do the opposite of ministering to the church.
The lesson for the beloved brothers in the church is to be available to help. The church doesn't need 2 pastors. The church needs someone willing to climb in the attic so your pastor can devote himself to the word, to prayer, to ministering to the spiritual needs of the body. If the pastor has been taking care of maintenance all week and Sunday rolls around, the whole church is going to suffer because his mind was saturated with physical needs all week instead of spiritual. Be there, be available, and by serving in the Lord you will be serving the Lord. I would remind you of the example set by our Lord. He knelt in the dirt and served his servants. This is the pinnacle of servanthood. The Lord of Lords, kneeling down in the dust he created, washing the feet of the people he created from that very dust. What a Savior is mine!! He taught them by example how to lead and His words to them were "The greatest among you shall be a servant." Now when we consider Tychicus' ministry in the light of what Jesus said, his ministry doesn't become the smallest among the apostles but the greatest. He was never more than a servant but the greatest among them was a servant and never in your Christian life have you been greater than you were serving your Lord, in the Lord. So, when it is time to climb in the attic or to change the light bulbs or go and relieve a missionary on a foreign field, do it in the light of what Jesus said: "The greatest among you hall be a servant."
Oh, how we need more men and women who could bear the title and ministry of this man Tychicus!!
Onward Christian Soldiers!!
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