Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

This is almost a word-for-word parallel with Col 4:7–8. Nowhere is the connection between these two captivity letters closer than here. Paul had just completed Colossians, and Ephesians had been hurriedly concluded so that Tychicus could act as bearer of both letters. Since at this point he had exactly the same information to convey as to the Colossians, it is understandable that he employed the same terms.

Tychicus was the apostle’s personal representative to the churches in Colosse (Colossians 4:7–9), Ephesus, and, assuming Ephesians to be a circular letter, other Asian churches. Later we find him with Paul again and named along with Artemas as a possible relief for Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12). Soon afterward he was dispatched to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12). The fact that he was entrusted with these important commissions reflects his reliability. Paul describes Tychicus as a loyal Christian servant and a brother dearly loved, not only by Paul but by all who knew him. He would pass on news Paul did not have time to include at the end of his letter, so that the readers may be brought up to date with details about his affairs and what he was doing.