Sunday, 4 June 2017
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, Colossians 4:8
The word “him” is speaking of Tychicus of the previous verse. The words, “for this very purpose,” relate to what Paul just said to them in that verse. It is he who “will tell you all the news about me.” He then reexplains this in fuller detail with the words, “that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.” He had sent Tychichus to Colossae with his epistle, entrusting him to fill in all of the information about him which was unstated in the letter, and certainly also to determine their condition in the Lord.
In so doing, and in answering any questions they had about Paul and his associates, he says that he would be able to “comfort your hearts.” Tychicus was obviously faithful in his ability to recount anything that Paul passed on to him. If there was a personal greeting, he would relay it. If there was a note of commendation, he would relay it. If someone needed correction, Tychicus was competent and faithful to ensure it was passed on. For the most part though, the duties of Tychicus were to relate how Paul and those with him were faring.
They certainly would want to know how he was getting along while in prison. They would want to know about his care, any visitors, how he was treated, and so on. With this knowledge, their hearts would be comforted. It appears that Tychicus was eminently suited to this task, because it was he who performed the same mission to Ephesus as is recorded in that epistle. Paul’s use of him in this manner is a confirmation of complete confidence in him. It stands as a personal commission concerning him.
Life application: It is always good to know that a person can be completely trusted. Is this how others see us? Are we willing to conduct our lives with such high integrity that we can be relied upon with even the most sensitive or personal material? Let us endeavor to be such people at all times.
Lord God Almighty, Your word says that a good name is better than precious ointment. May each one of us strive to be a person of integrity, and one who seeks after a good name. Help all of us to have such high integrity that we can be relied upon in every way, even in the most sensitive matters that arise. Because we bear Your name, our actions ultimately reflect upon You. And so help us in this Lord. Help us to be people of complete and total faithfulness in all we do. Amen.