Colossians 4:7-18
7 “As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received [e]instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand [g]mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also. 15 Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.”
Tychicus was a bond-servant of Christ. This means he served Christ willingly as a response to the love of God. This sets a precedent for how we are to live from our salvation. Christ has won us over by His love, not with pressure or force. Therefore, the lives we live as saved people ought also to be lives lived in freedom. Evidently Paul sent this letter with Tychicus along with a general update as to the well-being of the apostles.
Stand mature: Paul is speaking of the completeness that all Christians have in Christ. We are to live in light of our perfect salvation, not allowing ourselves to be tossed around by false doctrines and other distractions. We can stand on the finished work of Christ and live a life of victory over the world system.
