Colossians 4:8 (KJV)
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
God’s employment of teams is a fascinating thing. Think of it. At first, Barnabas opened doors for Saul of Tarsus. When God initially called them into missionary work, it was “Barnabas and Saul.” But it didn’t take long before the dynamics of the team changed, and it became “Paul and Barnabas.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed about Mark’s involvement in the second missionary journey, leading them to split teams. From there, we see Paul utilizing a number of team members: Timothy, Titus, and in this case, Tychicus. The Bible says Paul “sent” Tychicus to Colosse.
His team members were obviously volunteers. Though the Bible indicates that Paul would work secular employment when necessary to provide for himself and his team members, it would be a stretch to call them his employees. Paul used terms like “fellowservants in the Lord.”
Paul sent Tychicus to Colosse for three purposes:
To tell them his estate[1]
That believers care for one another, knowing how they fare, seems fitting and appropriate. We are, after all, brothers in the Lord.
To learn of their estate
It is interesting that Paul didn’t say he sent Tychicus to report back to him about the estate of the believers in Colosse, but that Tychicus should himself know their estate. Paul sent Tychicus, but Tychicus was his equal. Tychicus had as much interest in their estate as Paul did.
To comfort their hearts
This could be said to be the work of ministry. I think it can take on many forms: sometimes comforting words, sometimes doctrinal words, sometimes cheerful words, and at times even words of correction. Ultimately, the purpose of ministry is never to cause harm or injury but to bring comfort. The best comfort is that which brings us into reconciliation and peace with God.
#BiblicalTeamwork #FellowservantsInChrist #ComfortInTheGospel #MinistryPurpose #ChristianBrotherhood
How to Build Strong Ministry Teams: Examples of Biblical Teamwork
[1] Colossians 4:7 (KJV):
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord.
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