Charles Ellicott Commentary Ephesians 6:21

"But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:" — Ephesians 6:21 (ASV)

That you also—i.e., you as well as others. There is evidently an allusion to Tychicus’ similar mission to Colossae; and we may, perhaps, also trace some indication of a generality of scope in this Epistle.

Tychicus is first mentioned with Trophimus in Acts 20:4, as being of Asia, and accompanying St. Paul on his last journey from Corinth to Asia, although he is not, like Trophimus, actually named as with the Apostle at Jerusalem. It is highly probable that he was one of the messengers of the churches spoken of in 2 Corinthians 8:18–23, as sent to bear the alms to Jerusalem. We now find him again with St. Paul, and made by him the bearer of this Epistle and the Epistle to the Colossians.

Lastly, he is alluded to as still his companion in the interval between the first and second captivity (Titus 3:2), and in the second captivity is dispatched once more to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12). It is evident that he well deserved the title of a faithful minister to the Apostle; and we note (in 2 Timothy 4:11–12) that the command to bring Mark, as being profitable for ministration is immediately connected with the remark, Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

A faithful minister.—The word “minister” is diaconus; but there is no reason to think that it is used technically to describe Tychicus as a deacon. In the Colossian Epistle the words and fellowservant are added, showing clearly that the word “minister” refers only to ministration to St. Paul.