◄ What Does Colossians 4:8 Mean? ►

Love for his brothers and sisters in Christ was clearly seen in all of Paul's writings and in this letter to the Colossians, his heart's desire was that these beloved believers would gain great spiritual strength. He knew that many blessings and benefits follow those who continue earnestly to pray in faith and for those who are vigilant in their worship, praise, and thanksgiving.

Paul knew that it is God's will that His blood-bought sons and daughters rejoice in the Lord always, and so he encouraged each one to rejoice continuously, to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks and praise to our Heavenly Saviour.

But Paul also knew that prayer is a God-given privilege that has been awarded to every Christian, and those that walk in spirit and truth and pray into the Father's will, are assured that their prayers will be heard and answered, for His greater praise and glory.

Paul therefore coveted the intercessions and prayers of these saints in Colossae. He asked them to pray that doors of evangelistic opportunity would be opened for both him, and his fellow-labourers in the gospel. His desire was that he would be enabled to speak the mystery of Christ to lost sinners, and to tell forth the wonders of His glorious grace toward us.

Paul was writing his letter to these believers from his prison cell in Rome. He was in chains because of his evangelistic fervour. He had come to understand that the gospel of God and the message of the Cross is foolishness to those that are lost, but to us who are being transformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, it is the power of God.

One of Paul's fellow-workers was a dear saint called Tychicus. He was a precious brother in the faith, a loyal servant of the Lord, and a faithful minister of the gospel who accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey. It was to this man that Paul entrusted the delivery of his letter to the Christians at Colossae. Not only did it contain news of Paul's current circumstance, but he knew that this faithful servant of the Lord would edify the saints, encourage them to stand firm in the faith, and hold fast to the truth of the glorious gospel of grace.

He wrote to inform them of his current situation during his imprisonment in Rome, and to reassure them that he was Christ's ambassador in chains whose ongoing desire was to share the gospel as boldly as he could. And so, he sent Tychicus to encourage and comfort their hearts in the midst of the difficult times in which they were living, and to embolden them to preach the Word fearlessly.

It was through Tychicus that Paul sent his letter to Colossae, for this faithful friend was a man who brought encouragement and comfort to all those he served. He had proven himself to be zealous for the gospel and Paul’s worthy co-worker, and so Paul wrote: "I am sending Tychicus to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts."

Although he is only mentioned five times in the New Testament, Tychicus earned the trust and recommendation of the apostle Paul. The godly character of this dear man of faith was manifested in his actions, attitude, and commendable ministry.

May we, like Tychicus, walk in wisdom, pray in spirit and truth, redeem the time, and give godly comfort and encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ. May we, like him, pray without ceasing, rejoice in the Lord continuously, and in everything give thanks to our Heavenly Father.

May we seek to be faithful servants of God and develop the sort of Christlike character that honours the Lord in word and in de, and may we give godly encouragement and comfort to all those who are placed in our path, for the honour of His holy name.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the godly example of Tychicus who gave comfort and encouragement to others and was a faithful man of prayer whom You entrusted to fulfil Your plans and purposes through his life-example. Give me the grace to faithfully fulfil the work that You have called me to do, and I pray that I may continue earnestly in prayer, be vigilant in worship, give comfort and encouragement to others, and in everything give thanksgiving and praise, for the honour of Your name. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.