TychicusTychicus is mentioned several times in the New Testament as a trusted companion and fellow worker of the Apostle Paul. He is described as a "dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord" (
Ephesians 6:21) and a "faithful minister" (
Colossians 4:7). His role often involved delivering letters and providing support to early Christian communities. Tychicus's presence in Paul's letters highlights the importance of reliable and dedicated individuals in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church.
however,
This word indicates a contrast or exception to what has been previously mentioned. In the context of2 Timothy 4, Paul is discussing various individuals and their roles or actions. The use of "however" suggests a shift in focus, emphasizing Tychicus's specific mission or task, which is distinct from others mentioned in the passage.
I have sent
Paul's decision to send Tychicus underscores the apostle's leadership and strategic planning in the early Church. Sending Tychicus was likely a deliberate choice, reflecting Paul's trust in him to carry out important tasks. This action also demonstrates the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and the necessity of communication and support among them.
to Ephesus.
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its significant role in early Christianity. It was a center of commerce and culture, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul had a long-standing relationship with the Ephesian church, having spent considerable time there during his missionary journeys (Acts 19). The city is also the recipient of the letter to the Ephesians. Sending Tychicus to Ephesus may have been for the purpose of delivering a message, providing leadership, or addressing specific needs within the church. This action reflects the ongoing pastoral care and oversight that Paul exercised over the churches he established.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle and author of the letter, writing to Timothy from prison, likely in Rome. He is nearing the end of his life and ministry.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter. Paul is providing him with guidance and encouragement.
3.
TychicusA trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul, often tasked with delivering letters and providing support to early Christian communities.
4.
EphesusA major city in Asia Minor, known for its large Christian community and as a center of early church activity. Timothy is serving as a leader in this church.
5.
The Early ChurchThe broader context of the early Christian movement, characterized by missionary journeys, the spread of the Gospel, and the establishment of church communities.
Teaching Points
Faithful ServiceTychicus exemplifies the importance of being a reliable and faithful servant in the ministry. His willingness to be sent wherever needed is a model for Christian service.
Support in MinistryThe sending of Tychicus to Ephesus underscores the need for support and encouragement within the church. Leaders and congregations alike benefit from mutual support.
The Role of Trusted MessengersIn the early church, trusted individuals like Tychicus played a crucial role in communication and the spread of the Gospel. Today, we are called to be trustworthy in our own roles within the church.
Continuity of MinistryPaul's decision to send Tychicus reflects the continuity and ongoing nature of ministry, even as Paul faces the end of his life. The work of the church continues through faithful individuals.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 4
Who was Tychicus in the Bible?
2 Corinthians 11:29 - How could Paul meaningfully empathize with and support multiple distant churches given the limited communication and travel methods of his era?
Can women teach in church? (1 Timothy 2:12 vs. Acts 18:26)
Romans 9 compared with 1 Timothy 2:4: How can predestination be reconciled with God's desire for all to be saved?(12)
And Tychicushave I sent to Ephesus.--Instead of "and," the Greek particle here should be rendered "but Tychicus." "This 'but' appears to refer to a suppressed thought, suggested by the concluding portion of the last (11th) verse: bring Mark. I need one who is profitable (or
serviceable) for the ministry. I had one in Tychicus,
but he is gone" (Ellicott). Neither the period of Tychicus' journey nor its object is alluded
to here. It probably took place some time, however, before the sending of this Epistle to Timothy. Tychicus was evidently one of the trusted companions of St. Paul. He had been with him, we know, on his third missionary journey, and had, during St. Paul's first Roman imprisonment, some six or seven years before, been charged with a mission by his master to Ephesus. In
Ephesians 6:21 he is called a beloved brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. (See, too,
Colossians 4:7, where he is spoken of in similar terms.) On the city of Ephesus, see Note on
1Timothy 1:3. It has been, with considerable probability, suggested that Tychicus had been the bearer of the first Epistle to Timothy. Between the writing of these two letters, we know, no great interval could have elapsed.
Verse 12. -
But for
and, A.V.;
sent for
have sent, A.V.
Tychicus was with St. Paul when he wrote the Epistle to the Colossians (
Colossians 4:7), as was also Timothy (
Colossians 1:1). The presence of Luke, Timothy, Tychicus, Mark, with Paul now, as then, is remarkable (see ver. 10, note).
I sent to Ephesus. Theodoret (quoted by Alford, 'Proleg. to 2 Timothy,' ch. 9. sect. 1) says, "It is plain from this that St. Timothy was not at this time living at Ephesus, but somewhere else." And that certainly is the natural inference at first sight. But Bishop Ellicott suggests the possibility of Tychicus being the bearer of the First Epistle to Timothy, written not very long before, and this being merely an allusion to that well known fact. Another and more probable idea is that he was the bearer of this Epistle, that the object of his mission, like that of Artemas (
Titus 3:12), was to take Timothy's place at Ephesus during Timothy's absence at Rome, and that he is thus mentioned in the Epistle in order to commend him to the reverent regard of the Ephesian Church (Wordsworth). It is argued against this that
πρός σε would have been the more natural expression after the analogy of
Colossians 4:7 and
Titus 3:12. But this objection would be removed if we suppose that the Epistle was sent by another hand, and that it was very possible that Timothy might have started for Rome before Tychicus could arrive at Ephesus. He might have orders to visit Corinth or Macedonia on his way. (For the arguments for and against Timothy being at Ephesus at this time, see Alford's 'Proleg.,' as above.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Tychicus,Τυχικὸν(Tychikon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5190:From a derivative of tugchano; fortuitous, i.e. Fortunate; Tychicus, a Christian.however,δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I have sentἀπέστειλα(apesteila)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 649:From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.Ephesus.Ἔφεσον(Epheson)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181:Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) 
