College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Colossians 4:7-9
Outline of 4:7-18
F.
Conclusion (Personal notes); Colossians 4:7-18
1.
Notes about Tychichus and Onesimus; Colossians 4:7-9
a.
Tychicus will make known my affairs; Colossians 4:7
b.
Tychicus was sent for this; Colossians 4:8
(1)
That you may know our state.
(2)
That your hearts may be comforted.
a.
Onesimus is sent with Tychicus; Colossians 4:9
(1)
Onesimus is a faithful and beloved brother,
(2)
They will make known the things here.
2.
Greetings from Paul's companions; Colossians 4:10-14
a.
Jewish companions; Colossians 4:10-11
(1)
Aristarchus; Colossians 4:10 a
(2)
(3)
Jesus called Justus; Colossians 4:11
b.
Non-Jewish companions; Colossians 4:12-14
(1)
Epaphras: Colossians 4:12-13
(a)
He strives for you; Colossians 4:12
(b)
He has much zeal for you and others; Colossians 4:13
(2)
(3)
Demas; Colossians 4:14
3.
Instructions to the Colossians 4:15-17
a.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea; Colossians 4:15 a
b.
Salute Nymphas; Colossians 4:15 b
c.
Read this epistle also in Laodicea; Colossians 4:16 a
d.
Read the epistle from Laodicea; Colossians 4:16 b
e.
Tell Archippus to fulfill his ministry; Colossians 4:7
4.
Paul's salutation and benediction; Colossians 4:18.
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7. All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: 8. whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts; 9. together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here.
Translation and Paraphrase
7. Tychicus (the man who delivered Ephesians before he came to you) will make known to you all the things involving me. (He is) the beloved brother and faithful servant (or minister) in the Lord (Jesus).
8. (So ask your questions of Tychicus.) I have sent him to you for this very reason, that you may know the news concerning us, and that he may comfort (and exhort) your hearts.
9. Along with (Tychicus I have sent) Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is (now one) of you (though he was a slave). They (Tychicus and Onesimus) will make known to you the things (going on) here (in Rome).
Notes
1.
Colossians 4:7-9 tells of Tychicus and Onesimus. Tychicus delivered the letter to the Colossians from Paul in Rome, and he also delivered the epistle to the Ephesians on the same trip. Onesimus was a slave who had fled to Rome. In Rome he met Paul, and was converted to Christ. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master Philemon, who lived in Colossae. Onesimus was given the short epistle to Philemon, which we have in our New Testament. This letter requested Philemon to forgive him and receive him back as a brother in the Lord. Onesimus and Tychicus travelled together to Colossae. (Notice the drawings inside the covers of this book relating to Onesimus and Tychicus.)
2.
Besides their work of delivering epistles, Tychicus and Onesimus were appointed to tell the Colossians all other personal news concerning Paul, and to comfort and exhort the hearts of the Colossians. Quite probably the news from Paul was good news. See Philippians 1:12.
3.
Tychicus is referred to several places in the Scripture:
Acts 20:4He helped bear the offerings to Judea. He was from Asia (Ephesus perhaps).
Ephesians 6:21-22He delivered Ephesians.
2 Timothy 4:12He was later sent to Ephesus on another trip.
Titus 3:12Paul considered sending him on another mission.
Tychicus is called a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and fellow servant with Paul. (Colossians 4:7). This description is similar to that given to Epaphras in Colossians 1:7.
4.
Paul introduced Onesimus to the Colossian church here in this letter, along with Tychicus. Onesimus stood side by side with Tychicus.
Notice the honorable titles given to Onesimus: faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
The words who is one of you are loaded with emotion and pathos. The same expression is applied to Epaphras in Colossians 4:12. Both the preacher Epaphras and the ex-slave are described the same way.
Onesimus-' introduction to the Colossian church would serve as a powerful incentive to Philemon to receive him back. Philemon 1:10.
5.
Good news from Paul through Tychicus and Onesimus would be a comfort to the hearts of the Colossians. Proverbs 25:25.
Study and Review
1.
What is the title of Colossians 4:7-18 in the outline?
2.
Who was sent to the Colossians to make known Paul's affairs? (Colossians 4:7)
3.
What is Tychicus described as being (3 things) ?
4.
For what two purposes had Paul sent Tychicus? (Colossians 4:8)
5.
Who was sent with Tychicus? (Colossians 4:9)
6.
How is the one who was sent with Tychicus described?
7.
Why would the statement who is one of you in Colossians 4:9 be especially forceful?