Faithful in the Shadows: Tychicus – A Trusted Encourager

Ephesians 6:21-22

In a world that is often drawn to bold personalities and headline names, it is easy to overlook those who quietly go about life in the shadows. This can also be seen in Christian ministry, where the spotlight often falls on well-known pastors with impressive ministries. Yet, while we can be thankful for many well-known Christians, it is good to remember those who serve the Lord faithfully in either the background or are simply less known. Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of people just like this. Paul was a well-known figure but reminded us of the importance of others in ministry. One such man is Tychicus. He was a lesser-known companion of Paul’s, who was beloved, faithful, and trusted, as well as an encourager to others.

A Beloved Servant

The New Testament briefly mentions Tychicus in several places. For example, we find him in Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:8, and 2 Timothy 4:12. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he is described in a variety of different ways in chapter 4:21-22. First, Paul states that this man was a beloved brother. Beloved (agapētós) refers to someone dear to another, “but spoken only of Christians as united with God or with each other in the bonds of holy love.”^[1] As we will discover, Paul had good reason to have a deep, affectionate love for Tychicus.

A Faithful and Trusted Servant

Not only was Tychicus beloved, but he was also described as faithful and trusted. As a faithful minister, he was dependable, trustworthy, and consistent in service. Throughout the New Testament, faithfulness is a vital quality of anyone seeking to serve the Lord Jesus. A faithful servant or minister is not primarily measured by talent or visibility, but by their loyalty to Christ, integrity of character, and reliability in duty. In this case, Paul sent Tychicus with the letter to the Ephesians because he knew he was faithful and could be trusted with such an important letter.

“Tychicus might have been looked upon by some as Paul’s errand boy, but he was more than that. This faithful messenger had the high honor of bearing this inspired and priceless epistle to the Church at Ephesus and to all the saints of succeeding generations. God bless you, dear brother.”^[2] 

An Encouraging Servant

Not only was he to deliver the letter to the Ephesians, but Paul also sent him to comfort and to encourage the brethren. It is important to not only deliver doctrinal and theological truth but also to comfort and encourage others. Tychicus was to direct his comfort and encouragement at their hearts rather than their heads. A timely word, visit, or message is often the tool God uses to build up His people. Tychicus was such a vessel and is forever remembered in the pages of scripture.

“Paul did not just send Tychicus to Ephesus to share information; that could have been accomplished through a letter. Rather, Tychicus was to share his very self, something that would comfort the hearts of the Ephesian believers.”^[3]

Lessons from a Faithful Servant

It is good to remember, learn, and be thankful for those who faithfully serve the Lord in the shadows. Tychicus reminds us that faithful service is always noticed by the Lord, even when others may not see it. Also, we do not have to have a place of leadership to encourage someone. And like many others throughout the Bible who are only briefly mentioned, Tychicus and his example are forever recorded in God’s eternal Word.

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day,

By His love and power controlling all I do and say.”

The Celebration Hymnal #568

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament.

[2] Lehman Strauss. Devotional Studies in Galatians and Ephesians, pg. 244.

[3] Charles Swindoll. Swindoll’s Living Insights – Galatians – Ephesians, pg. 319.

*Painting is the work of Henri Félix Emmanuel Philippoteaux.