- CONCLUSION <4:7-18>
(a). Commendation of Tychicus <4:7-9>
Tychicus is mentioned several times as an associate of Paul, a regular helper and companion in travel <see Acts 20:4; Eph.6:21-22; 2 Tim.4:12; Tit.3:12>; here Paul refers to him as “a dear brother” <4:7 (NIV)>, a reference to his valued friendship. He also speaks of him as “a faithful minister”, one that is trustworthy or dedicated to the Church and the spreading of the gospel message; and “fellow servant in the Lord”. Here are three characteristics that should be clearly seen in the life of every believer in Christ. Paul also refers to Onesimus who was a run-away slave belonging to Philemon. Onesimus had been converted by the preaching and teaching of Paul in Rome, and Paul sent him back to Philemon via Colosse with the Letters to the Colossian Church and to Philemon <see Phm. 10, 15-16>. Both men would update the Colossian Church on the events of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome <4:9b>.
(b). Greetings from Paul’s Friends <4:10-14>
Aristarchus is another of Paul’s faithful workers from Macedonia <see Acts 19:29> who sends greetings, so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin <see Acts 12:25; 15:38-39; 2 Tim.4:11>. He also makes reference to Jesus called Justus, who was apparently a Roman believer in Christ. These three individuals Paul refers to as “the only Jews” among his fellow workers <4:11>, that had proved a comfort to him; such a difference to all the other Jews that had turned against Paul because he had taken the gospel message to the Gentiles.
He refers to Epaphras saying that “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” <4:12 (NIV); cf 4:2>; another great quality for a believer in Christ is to persevere in prayer, understanding that Satan will double his efforts to keep us from communicating with our Heavenly Father <cf Eph.6:12>.
(c). Instructions Regarding This Letter <4:15-18>
He requests that his greetings be passed on to the Church in Laodicea that apparently met together in the home of Nympha; it was common practice for the early churches to meet in the home of a believer in Christ. He also requested that “After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.” <4:16 (NIV)>; however, there is no record of a letter written by Paul to the Laodicean Church (only that written by John <Rev.3:14-22>).