It Starts Small

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. ⁹ He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:7-18

Here, Paul passionately includes a heartfelt greeting and a tribute to the multitude of his dedicated team members. Many of these remarkable individuals were instrumental in his ministry, diligently working alongside him. Others played a crucial role by coming alongside Paul, offering him vital encouragement during the challenging times of his imprisonment. For every inspiring Paul, Peter, David, or Moses seen in the Bible, there are fifty or even a hundred unsung heroes. These unsung heroes are like Tychicus and Epaphras. These are the steadfast servants laboring behind the scenes. They are the true “unsung heroes” of the early church. Their quiet devotion fuels the flame of faith in ways often unnoticed but profoundly impactful.

At first glance, we might dismiss this passage as mundane, lacking the depth we crave. But let me tell you, this passage offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Paul’s ministry! The undeniable truth we uncover is that Paul didn’t embark on this journey alone. He was not some solitary figure wandering in darkness. No, he understood that an impactful ministry thrives on community. God has beautifully crafted the church. It thrives not under the weight of a single alpha leader. Instead, it flourishes in the vibrant collaboration of many!

1 Corinthians 12 shows us that God designed the church like a body. Each member has his own gift. This is necessary to properly fulfill his own function. Even “Paul the Great” needed help. He needed prayer warriors. They helped him shoulder the burden of praying for churches and individuals across the Roman Empire. He himself needed people to come alongside him, praying for and encouraging him when times were tough. Without these people to help, support, encourage and work together with him Paul could not have accomplished what he did. He would have burned out long before.

Moses, over a millennium ago, realized something profound. The weight of ministry was far too great for one person to bear alone. (See Numbers 11:11-17.). In a moment of desperate prayer, he reached out to God. The Almighty responded with an outpouring of support. This divine intervention provided him with the much-needed help to fulfill his sacred calling.

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

All of us are in desperate need of being sharpened by the vibrant believers who surround us! We must embrace humility and a teachable spirit, opening ourselves up to the invaluable support and assistance from others. We must ignite the flames of encouragement. We should offer uplifting support to those around us. This helps sharpen anyone who might be at risk of growing dull. Imagine this: even in the darkest moments, like when Paul found himself behind bars, he was not truly alone! He was encircled by steadfast brothers, collaborating passionately toward a common purpose.

What can we learn from this? What lessons can we apply to our lives?

These were courageous individuals who boldly risked their reputations to stand by a “criminal” like Paul. There was no financial reward. There would not be much acclaim. Yet, they generously dedicated their time and energy to support him. Let’s delve deeper into the lives of the eight remarkable men highlighted here.

Who was Tychicus?

Paul describes Tychicus as a “beloved brother and faithful minister.” He mentions sending him to Colossae to share news. Tychicus is also sent to encourage the church.

• Mentioned five times in the NT: Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21-2, Colossians 4:7, Titus 3:12, 2 Timothy 4:12.
• He was going to travel with Paul to Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:1-9)
• He was going to deliver this letter to the Colossians.
• Also delivered the letter of Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21) and probably Philemon.
• Beloved brother
• Fellow bond-servant
• A faithful steward of the ministry (1 Cor 4:2)
• An encourager

Who was Onesimus?

Onesimus was referred to as “the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves” (Col 4:9). These words connect Philemon and Colossians. The reference to Archippus (Col 4:17) also provides evidence that Onesimus was a man of Colossae.

• Onesimus is a runaway slave and the subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon.
• Before a slave, now a brother.
• An equal peer and companion in the family of God.
• Onesimus would act as a spokesman. He would give more information to the Colossians about Paul. This was presumably for the purpose of prayer.

Who was Aristarchus?

A Thessalonian Christian who was a close companion of Paul.

• He was taken by the mob in Acts 19:29.
• He went with Paul to Jerusalem in Acts 20:4.
• He voyaged to Rome with Paul in Acts 27:4.
• Aristarchus seems to be referred to as a prisoner for accompanying Paul during all these difficult times. He was a prisoner by choice.
• He could have left at any time. Despite this, he chose to stay with Paul. He wanted to share in Paul’s sufferings to encourage and support him. This speaks very highly of his character and commitment to the cause of Christ. We don’t have to fear persecution.

Who was Mark?

• Mark deserted Paul during his first missionary journey. This is where Barnabas and Paul had a falling out.
• Later Peter’s ministry changed him (1 Peter 5:13).
• Paul asks for Mark because he is useful (2 Timothy 4:11).
• God can change sinners. We can have victory even if we have failed in the past. Do not live in your past mistakes, but push forward to a victorious future.
• Paul commands the Colossians to welcome Mark. Would you want to welcome Mark if you knew what he had done? We should be forgiving and give second chances to others. Do not be quick to judge or treat people harshly.
• Mark was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the Gospel of Mark

Who was Justus?

• One of very few fellow workers who were Jewish.
• The lack of response from the Jews was discouraging. Although in general, most did not believe, a few did. These few were a great encouragement to Paul.

Who was Epaphras?

• Probable founder of the Colossian church.
• A bondservant of Jesus. Are you a bondservant of Christ? Do you submit yourself to His authority always or only when it suits you?
• Epaphras labored in his prayer for the Colossian believers. Prayer is a very important work of believers in the church.
• Prayed for their growth and maturity as well as their direction.
• His deep concern for them pushed him to action. Do you have a deep concern for the lost (or the saved) around you? Is it pushing you to action?

Who was Luke?

• He was Paul’s personal doctor.
• He often traveled with Paul his journeys.
• The gospel of Luke shows us that he was very well educated and cultured.
• First known medical missionary. Served God whole-heartedly with the talent he had. How can you use your special talents for God?

Who was Demas?

• Deserted Paul because of his love for the world (2 Timothy 4:9-10)
• Not everyone who starts well finishes well.
• Ministering for the Lord does not make us immune to temptations.
• Demas is a stark contrast with Mark. One failed, but repented and turned back to a faithful life of service to the Lord. One started well, but turned away never to be seen again. When you fail, will you be like Mark or like Demas? What temptation may be your Achilles’ heel?

What profound lessons can we glean from these remarkable men? Who among them do you aspire to embody the most? Imagine standing alongside Paul in this moment—what compelling words would he share about your essence?

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Cross-References

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
• Ephesians 4:11
• Romans 12:8
• Acts 15:36-41.
• 1 Peter 5:13
• 2 Timothy 4:7-11

Discussion Questions

• Why does Paul mention all of these various brothers?
• What can we learn from this passage about Paul’s ministry?
• What insights can we get about his team?
• What type of people made up his team?
• What can you learn about Tychicus? What was his role toward the Colossians?
• Who is Onesimus? What do we learn in the book of Philemon about him? For what purpose do you think he was going to inform the Colossians about Paul?
• What happened in the book of Acts between Paul and Barnabas and Mark?
• What insights do we get from this event based on the fact that Mark is once again ministering with Paul?
• What could these brothers do for Paul while he was in prison?
• What was Epaphras’ strength?
• What did he pray for the Colossians?
• Who is Luke? Demas?
• What final instructions did Paul leave with the Colossian church?
• Why would Paul mention that he wrote this greeting with his own hand?
• What important lessons can we take from these extensive greetings?

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