“Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.”
Colossians 4:7-9 NLT
When Jesus was commissioning his disciples, he sent them out to make more disciples. As the apostles went out to fulfill this commission, they did so in pairs. Often, the prophets of Israel would operate in parallel to each other. As Christians, we are not called to be lone wolfs, but part of a herd of sheep. Here we can see Paul’s understanding of the blessing of Christian brotherhood. He demonstrates in this passage that he has full confidence in the network of believers, even in his absence. We must consider how Paul lacked any modern form of communication as we consider the amount faith involved in making predictions about the willingness and ability of his compatriots. Paul knew the character of these men, and he knew that what he asked of them was within their intentions. He knew that their behavior could be predicted because their character was solid. This is the type of solidarity Christians should have toward each other. It should be a deep knowledge that can be relied upon despite distance, time or even communication. We need to work to build this level of discipleship and strength of character in the body of Christ.
JOSH McGARY. COM 