TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Complete Jewish Bible
Our dear brother Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow-slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me.
Berean Standard Bible
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
American Standard Version
All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:
World English Bible Messianic
All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Tychicus our beloued brother and faithfull minister, and fellow seruant in the Lord, shall declare vnto you my whole state:
Young's Literal Translation
All the things concerning me make known to you shall Tychicus--the beloved brother, and faithful ministrant, and fellow-servant in the Lord--
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In the KJVVerse 29,550 of 31,102
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Commentary on Colossians 4 verses 7–18
7 ¶ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
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.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to the end of the world.
I. Concerning Tychicus, Col 4:7. By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear how it fared with him. The churches cannot but be concerned for good ministers and desirous to know their state. He gives him this character, A beloved brother and faithful minister. Paul, though a great apostle, owns a faithful minister for a brother and a beloved brother. Faithfulness in any one is truly lovely, and renders him worthy our affection and esteem. And a fellow-servant in the Lord. Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and capacities of service. Observe, It adds much to the beauty and strength of the gospel ministry when ministers are thus loving and condescending one to another, and by all just means support and advance one another's reputation. Paul sent him not only to tell them of his affairs, but to bring him an account of theirs: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts, Col 4:8. He was willing to hear from them as they could be to hear from him, and thought himself as much obliged to sympathize with them as he thought them obliged to sympathize with him. It is a great comfort, under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of fellow-christians.
II. Concerning Onesimus (Col 4:9): With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. He was sent back from Rome along with Tychicus. This was he whom Paul had begotten in his bonds, Plm 1:10. He had been servant to Philemon, and was a member, if not a minister, of their church. He was converted at Rome, whither he had fled from his master's service; and was now sent back, it is probable, with the epistle to Philemon, to introduce him again into his master's family. Observe, Though he was a poor servant, and had been a bad man, yet, being now a convert, Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother. The meanest circumstance of life, and greatest wickedness of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are entitles to the same regards. The righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all those that believe; for there is no difference (Rom 3:22): and there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28. Perhaps this was some time after he was converted and sent back to Philemon, and by this time he had entered into the ministry, because Paul calls him a brother.
III. Aristarchus, a fellow-prisoner. Those who join in services and sufferings should be thereby engaged to one another in holy love. Paul had a particular affection for his fellow-servants and his fellow-prisoners.
IV. Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas. This is supposed to be the same who wrote the gospel which bears his name. If he come unto you receive him. Paul had a quarrel with Barnabas upon the account of this Mark, who was his nephew, and thought not good to take him with them, because he departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work, Act 15:38. He would not take Mark with him, but took Silas, because Mark had deserted them; and yet Paul is not only reconciled to him himself, but recommends him to the respect of the churches, and gives a great example of a truly Christian forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not be always remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. If a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, Gal 6:1.
V. Here is one who is called Jesus, which is the Greek name for the Hebrew Joshua. If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterwards have spoken of another day, Heb 4:8. Who is called Justus. It is probable that he changed his name for that of Justus, in honour to the name of the Redeemer. Or else Jesus was his Jewish name, for he was of the circumcision; and Justus his Roman or Latin name. These are my fellow-labourers unto the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto me. Observe, What comfort the apostle had in the communion of saints and ministers! One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, who were working out their own salvation and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. Good ministers take great comfort in those who are their fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. Their friendship and converse together are a great refreshment under the sufferings and difficulties in their way.
VI. Epaphras (Col 4:12), the same with Epaphroditus. He is one of you, one of your church; he salutes you, or sends his service to you, and his best affections and wishes. Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Epaphras had learned of Paul to be much in prayer for his friends. Observe, 1. In what manner he prayed for them. He laboured in prayer, laboured fervently, and always laboured fervently for them. Those who would succeed in prayer must take pains in prayer; and we must be earnest in prayer, not only for ourselves, but for others also. It is the effectual fervent prayer which is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much (Jam 5:16), and Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain, Col 4:17. 2. What is the matter of this prayer: That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Observe, To stand perfect and complete in the will of God is what we should earnestly desire both for ourselves and others. We must stand complete in all the will of God; in the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end. The apostle was witness for Epaphras that he had a great zeal for them: "I bear him record; I can testify for him that he has a great concern for you, and that all he does for you proceeds from a warm desire for your good." And his zeal extended to all about them: to those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He had a great concern for the Christian interest in the neighbouring places, as well as among them.
VII. Luke is another here mentioned, whom he calls the beloved physician. This is he who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and was Paul's companion. Observe, He was both a physician and an evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the great physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved physician; one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the affections of his friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment in a minister and may be improved to more extensive usefulness and greater esteem among Christians.
VIII. Demas. Whether this was written before the second epistle to Timothy or after is not certain. There we read (Ti2 4:10), Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. Some have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake Christ; or he forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again, and Paul forgave him and owned him as a brother. But others think more probably that this epistle was written before the other; this in anno 62, that in 66, and then it is an evidence how considerable a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many who have made a great figure in profession, and gained a great name among Christians, have yet shamefully apostatized: They went forth from us, because they were not of us, Jo1 2:19.
IX. The brethren in Laodicea are here mentioned, as living in the neighbourhood of Colosse: and Paul sends salutations to them, and orders that this epistle should be read in the church of the Laodiceans (Col 4:16), that a copy of it should be sent thither, to be read publicly in their congregation. And some think Paul sent another epistle at this time to Laodicea, and ordered them to send for that from Laodicea, and read it in their church: And that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. If so, that epistle is now lost, and did not belong to the canon; for all the epistles which the apostles ever wrote were not preserved, any more than the words and actions of our blessed Lord. There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books which would be written, Joh 21:25. But some think it was the epistle to the Ephesians, which is still extant.
X. Nymphas is mentioned (Col 4:15) as one who lived at Colosse, and had a church in his house; that is, either a religious family, where the several parts of worship were daily performed; or some part of the congregation met there, when they had no public places of worship allowed, and they were forced to assemble in private houses for fear of their enemies. The disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews (Joh 20:19), and the apostle preached in his own lodging and hired house, Act 28:23, Act 28:30. In the former sense it showed his exemplary piety; in the latter his zeal and public spirit.
XI. Concerning Archippus, who was one of their ministers at Colosse. They are bidden to admonish him to mind his work as a minister, to take heed to it, and to fulfil it - to be diligent and careful of all the parts of it, and to persevere in it unto the end. They must attend to the main design of their ministry, without troubling themselves or the people with things foreign to it, or of less moment. Observe, (1.) The ministry we have received is a great honour; for it is received in the Lord, and is by his appointment and command. (2.) Those who have received it must fulfil it, or do the full duty of it. Those betray their trust, and will have a sad account at last, who do this work of the Lord negligently. (3.) The people may put their ministers in mind of their duty, and excite them to it: Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, though no doubt with decency and respect, not from pride and conceit.
XII. Concerning himself (Col 4:18): The salutation of me Paul. Remember my bonds. He had a scribe to write all the rest of the epistle, but these words he wrote with his own hand: Remember my bonds. He does not say, "Remember I am a prisoner, and send me supply;" but, "Remember I am in bonds as the apostle of the Gentiles, and let this confirm your faith in the gospel of Christ:" it adds weight to this exhortation: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy, Eph 4:1. "Grace be with you. The favour of God, and all good, the blessed fruits and effects of it, be with you, and be your portion."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–18. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
However much Paul insists that he is present with them in spirit and sees them, he nonetheless still makes use of a messenger for reporting. .
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Colossians 11
Admirable! how great is the wisdom of Paul! Observe, he doth not put everything into his Epistles, but only things necessary and urgent. In the first place, being desirous of not drawing them out to a length; and secondly, to make his messenger more respected, by his having also somewhat to relate; thirdly, showing his own affection towards him; for he would not else have entrusted these communications to him. Then, there were things which ought not to be declared in writing. "The beloved brother," he saith. If beloved, he knew all, and he concealed nothing from him. "And faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord." If "faithful," he will speak no falsehood; if "a fellow-servant," he hath shared his trials, so that he has brought together from all sides the grounds of trustworthiness.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Colossians 4:7 introduces Tychicus, a pivotal figure in the early church, whom the Apostle Paul commends highly to the Colossian believers. As Paul's trusted envoy, Tychicus was tasked with delivering the Epistle to the Colossians and providing a personal update on Paul's circumstances, embodying the deep bonds of Christian fellowship and faithful service within the nascent Christian community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul's commendation of Tychicus in Colossians 4:7 employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The use of Appellation or Epithet is prominent, as Paul bestows three distinct, positive titles upon Tychicus: "beloved brother," "faithful minister," and "fellowservant in the Lord." These epithets are not mere labels but serve to characterize Tychicus's person, character, and function, building trust and respect for him among the Colossians. The phrase "beloved brother" also functions as a Metaphor, portraying the Christian community as a spiritual family, united by love and shared faith, transcending biological ties. Furthermore, the selection of Tychicus as the messenger for "all my state" can be seen as a form of Synecdoche, where Tychicus, as a trustworthy individual, represents the entirety of Paul's personal and pastoral concern for the Colossian church. Finally, the cumulative effect of these three commendations creates a sense of Emphasis, underscoring Tychicus's exceptional qualities and the high regard in which Paul held him, thereby lending significant weight to the information Tychicus would convey.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:7 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian community, ministry, and the character required for faithful service. Tychicus's role as a trusted messenger, a "beloved brother," and a "faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord" illustrates that Christian ministry is fundamentally relational, built on love, trust, and shared commitment to Christ. It underscores the biblical truth that every believer has a vital role to play in the body of Christ, and that even seemingly "behind-the-scenes" roles, like that of a messenger, are indispensable for the health and growth of the church. The verse reminds us that true service is characterized by faithfulness and rooted "in the Lord," meaning it flows from our union with Christ and is directed towards His purposes. This passage also subtly reinforces the importance of personal connection and reliable communication in pastoral care, demonstrating Paul's deep concern for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the churches he served.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:7 serves as a timeless reminder of the essential qualities for effective ministry and healthy Christian community. Tychicus's example challenges us to consider our own roles within the body of Christ. Are we reliable communicators, fostering understanding and unity rather than division or misinformation? Do we embody the spirit of a "beloved brother" or "sister," demonstrating genuine affection and support for fellow believers, especially those facing challenges? Are we "faithful ministers" in our daily callings, whether in formal ministry or in our vocations, serving with integrity and dedication "in the Lord"? This verse encourages us to value and affirm those who serve quietly and faithfully, often without public recognition, recognizing that their consistent service is vital for the flourishing of the church. It also calls us to cultivate deep, authentic relationships within our Christian communities, where we genuinely care about one another's "state" and are willing to bear one another's burdens, just as Tychicus was sent to comfort the Colossians' hearts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Tychicus and why was he important to Paul?
Answer: Tychicus was a loyal and trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, mentioned multiple times in the New Testament (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12). He was a Gentile Christian from Asia, likely from Ephesus. He was important to Paul because he served as a reliable messenger and personal envoy, delivering Paul's epistles and providing verbal updates on Paul's circumstances to various churches. In Colossians 4:7, Paul commends him as a "beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord," highlighting his character, dedication, and shared mission with Paul. His role was crucial for maintaining communication and pastoral care between Paul, often imprisoned, and the distant Christian communities.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Colossians 4:7 speaks of Tychicus's faithful service, it ultimately points us to the supreme example of faithfulness and service found in Jesus Christ. Tychicus, as a "faithful minister" and "fellowservant in the Lord," embodies the very spirit of service that Christ Himself modeled. Christ, though God, "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7), demonstrating the ultimate act of self-giving ministry. Just as Tychicus declared Paul's "state" to the Colossians, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "declarer" and revealer of God's nature and will to humanity, for "no one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known" (John 1:18). He is the Word made flesh, the perfect messenger from the Father, who fully communicates divine truth. Tychicus's role in building up the church through reliable communication and faithful service finds its ultimate source and purpose in Christ, who is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) and through whom all things are sustained and perfected. Thus, Tychicus's ministry, like all true Christian service, is a reflection and extension of Christ's own ongoing work in the world.