Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 4:12

"But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus." — 2 Timothy 4:12 (ASV)

“Tychicus” was from the province of Asia and accompanied Paul on his last journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). He was the bearer of the letters to the Colossians (Colossians 4:7–8) and to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21). In both places he is described as a “dear brother” and “faithful servant in the Lord.” It is obvious that Paul had high regard for Tychicus. “I sent” may well mean “I am sending.” If so, Tychicus was the bearer of this letter and was being sent by Paul to take Timothy’s place as supervisor of the work at Ephesus. The apostle wanted his “dear son” (1:2) with him in the closing days of his life. We can only conjecture as to whether Timothy reached Paul before the latter’s death.