Tychicus was a native of the province of Asia and a companion of Paul on his third missionary journey. He is mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of the men who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem with the collection for the poor.
He is best known as Paul's letter-bearer. Paul sent him to Colossae with the letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (Col. 4:7–9), and he is also named as the bearer of the Letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21–22).
Paul's Trusted Delegate
Paul describes Tychicus as “a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord” (Col. 4:7). The fact that Paul entrusted him with the delivery of letters to multiple churches — including the circular letter that became Ephesians — indicates a high level of trust.
Tychicus is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:12, where Paul says he has sent him to Ephesus, and in Titus 3:12, where Paul plans to send either Tychicus or Artemas to Titus in Crete. This suggests that Tychicus continued to serve as a delegate and troubleshooter for Paul throughout his ministry.
Later Life
Tradition holds that Tychicus became bishop of Chalcedon in Bithynia, though the evidence is late. He is commemorated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church on 8 December. The New Testament does not record his death.
“ Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.”
Colossians 4:7“ So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.”
Ephesians 6:21Sources
- Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7–9; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12.
- Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 31 January 2007.
- F. F. Bruce, The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians (NICNT; Eerdmans, 1984), 176–177.