No person is immune to the need for encouragement. Encouraging another person is one of the most important things you can do for them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote that “correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower.”[1] Even the apostle Paul found himself in various situations in his life where encouragement served a great need.
Paul was no stranger to being in prison and found himself there on several occasions. During one of his times in prison, while awaiting to appear before Ceaser, he wrote four letters that are often referred to as his “Prison Epistles.”[2] In one of those letters, Colossians, Paul mentions several of his fellow workers who were encouragers. These individuals not only encouraged others but also Paul as well (Colossians 4:11). The first person he mentions who was well-known for encouragement was Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-8). Paul was sending him to the church in Colossae “that he may encourage your hearts.”
“Paul regarded Tychicus as a much-loved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant. He is portrayed as consistent, loyal, and reliable.”[3]
The name Tychicus means “fortunate” or “fortuitous” and is referred to in several of Paul’s letters. Earlier in Colossians 2:2, Paul reflected a desire for the believers to be encouraged in their hearts. In his loyal friend Tychicus he had someone to do this for the believers in Colossae. He not only knew Paul’s situation but could encourage them just as he had Paul.
“How encouraging it is to have a Christian at your side when everything seems to be against you!”[4]
No person is immune to the need for encouragement, not even the apostle Paul. During those days of imprisonment, he reflected on those ministry friends who had been an encouragement to him. In his deep love for those in Colossae, he sent Tychicus to do the same for them. Like Tychicus, is there someone you can encourage today?
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB 95)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] Christian Quotations, Martin Manser.
[2] Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
[3] Swindoll’s Living Insights, pg. 189-190.
[4] Warren Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary Ephesians-Revelation, pg. 149.