Proper Partnership: Colossians 4:7-9

   So far in Chapter 4 of Colossians we have focused on subjects such as worship, prayer, and speaking the truth. Now we enter the part of the book that is often quickly glossed over to finish up; after all, it is just a bunch of names, isn’t it?  Actually, the remaining verses of Colossians speak of the real relationships Paul had with those to whom he ministered. There is much to be learned here about how to properly partner in the gospel. 

   The first two gentlemen mentioned are Tychicus and Onesiumus (Col. 4:7-9).  Tychicus is also linked with Trophimus, as both were from Asia and are linked to a portion of Paul’s missionary journey (Acts 20:4).  Acts 21:29 states that Trophimus was from Ephesus and, assuming that this is the same Tychicus as in 2 Timothy 4:12, there was a time Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus, perhaps to send him home.  Regardless of the specific Asiatic city Tychicus called home, he was an important partner to Paul.  Tychicus was entrusted with delivering this letter to the Colossians, as well as the letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21).  He would have traveled from Rome, where Paul was in prison, all the way to Colossae, which was 1,200 miles one way - not exactly an easy trip in those days.  Paul viewed Tychicus as a:

   • Beloved brother. Yes, it is important to know that Tychicus was a fellow believer in Christ. One cann ...