Tychicus, one of Paul the apostle's companions receives five mentions in the New Testament. When Paul departs Corinth and decides to travel through Macedonia (Acts 20:3), he does so in the company of a number of brothers including "Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia." (the Roman province, not the continent) Later we find Tychicus entrusted by Paul to bring the letters (probably Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon) that the apostle has written in his Roman imprisonment to their recipients, an arduous journey fraught with potential dangers. In the Ephesian letter, Paul refers to Tychicus as "the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord." (Eph. 6:21) He is sent "that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts." (v.22) Colossians 4:7-9 paints a similar picture, adding that Onesimus has accompanied Tychicus, suggesting that Tychicus may have interceded in person for Onesimus to Philemon. Titus 3:12 reveals that either Tychicus or Artemas will receive the responsibility of taking over the work of ministry from Titus in Crete. Finally, Paul informs Timothy that he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus, (2 Tim 4:12) possibly to relieve him so that Timothy can come to Paul with the cloak and parchments. (v.13)
All of the above depicts a faithful brother, with a ministry of encouragement, who, under Paul's direction, takes responsibility for building up the churches via itinerant ministry. The Lord first directed my attention to this brother over ten years ago. I now believe He desires me to follow in his footsteps.
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