This is our Sunday Re: Think, an opportunity for us to continue to think on the events of last Sunday. Yesterday we wrapped up our four month examination of the book of Colossians. It has been both an encouraging and convicting journey looking at Paul’s words to a church not very old. Paul wrote to remind them of who Jesus is and who they are as a result. He concluded in Colossians 4:7-18 with final greetings that, though easy to gloss over, hold a cavalcade of truth for our edification.
As we walked through Paul’s final words we took an individual look, though brief, at each person Paul mentioned and drew, not only encouragement, but also conviction as we asked whether or not we would be as those named. Since there are many to be named, over the course of this week we will look at a few at a time, so check back throughout the week for more information.
Today we will look quickly at the first two named, Tychicus and Onesimus. We first encounter Tychicus in Acts 20 as one, along with several others, who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. Tychicus was the bearer of the letter to the Colossians and Ephesians, as well as the letter to the church in Laodicea. Peter O’Brien tells us in his commentary that it is possible he was Paul’s special envoy, or right hand man, to the churches of Provincial Asia which had been established during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. We also read of him again in 2 Timothy 4:12 towards the end of Paul’s ministry. Paul calls Tychicus a loved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave. “Loved Brother” is Paul’s favorite way of referring to members of the communities to whom he was writing, and it is expressive of the very real relationship that exists between Christians and members of God’s family. Paul also says Tychicus is his “fellow slave in the Lord”. This could mean that he is sitting next to him in jail as he writes.
Onesimus is also called a faithful and loved brother. In addition Paul reminds them he is “one of them”. If you remember, this is the same Onesimus who prompted the writing of the letter to Philemon. He was once a worthless slave who had abandoned his master Philemon, yet heard the Gospel from Paul and believed while in Ephesus. In fact, it is quite probable Onesimus is headed back to his master Philemon at Colossae with a letter commending his return. Onesimus was one who, as a slave, had absolutely no rights and privileges under Roman Law, he would have been of no account to most, yet he is Paul’s spiritual son, entrusted to deliver a message of commendation and reconciliation.
What incredible power the Gospel exhibits, those who were once enemies could be reconciled. Those who were but slaves, could be counted as free men in Christ. Moreover, us who were once Spiritual slaves of sin and death could be set free in Christ.
Tomorrow we will continue our look at these Paul mentions, turning attention to Mark, and Barnabas.
Comments (1) »
[...] we will continue the conversation we began yesterday looking at the stories behind those Paul mentions at the end of his letter to the Colossians. [...]