Colossians 4:9

with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

The Colossian Christians were naturally eager for authentic information concerning the welfare of the great apostle, and therefore he makes arrangements to supply that. As bearer of this letter he was sending Tychicus, whom he calls a beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in Christ. Tychicus received his faithfulness from, and performed his service for, the Lord, and it is the highest form of praise for a pastor or any worker in the Lord's vineyard if these designations can be applied to him. Tychicus was to supply the Colossians with all the information which they might desire concerning the apostle, all the circumstances of his imprisonment, all the comfort and consolation which he himself clung to and was dispensing to others, in brief, all the news which interests Christians with regard to the work and activity of their fellow-Christians. At the same time Tychicus was to get information concerning the state of affairs in Colossae; for since the Colossian congregation was in danger, Paul was naturally solicitous for their spiritual welfare. Tychicus could address words of comfort and entreaty to them in the name of the apostle. Paul names also Onesimus, describing him as a faithful and beloved brother. This recommendation was so necessary because Onesimus had left Colossae as a heathen fugitive, having escaped from his master Philemon. Having been converted in Rome through the Gospel as preached by Paul, he was now returning to Colossae as a member of the Church, as a brother who now truly belonged in their midst. Both of these men could make known to the Colossians all the things that were happening in Rome, as they concerned the apostle and the course of the Gospel. Note: The lively interest which was shown regarding the welfare of the several churches in the early days of Christianity may well stimulate the Christians of our days to show a greater activity in this respect.