Ephesians 6:21
So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just sending Tychicus as a messenger; he's sending a deeply trusted friend and minister to bridge the gap created by his physical absence. Tychicus is explicitly called "beloved" and "faithful," emphasizing that the personal connection and trustworthiness are as crucial as the information he carries. This highlights how relational intimacy and reliable witness are essential for the church's unity and understanding, especially when leaders are separated from their communities.
In the closing verses of his letter, Paul is wrapping up his thoughts and wants to ensure the Ephesians have a clear understanding of his current situation. He’s in prison, but he doesn’t want fear or speculation to fill the void; instead, he’s sending Tychicus, a trusted and beloved brother, to personally deliver an update on Paul’s life and ministry. This personal message serves to confirm all that has been written and to provide a direct, reliable account from someone deeply known and trusted by both Paul and the churches.
Ever feel like you're out of the loop? Paul understood that knowing the details of a fellow believer's life was important.
Paul closes his letter by sending Tychicus, a trusted messenger, to give the Ephesians a personal update. This wasn't just casual gossip; it was about understanding Paul's circumstances and ministry.
Why it Matters
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ephesians 6:21 is available in the Sola app.
Paul doesn't just send anyone; he sends someone with an incredible reputation. Who was Tychicus, and why was he so trusted?
Paul describes Tychicus with two powerful descriptors: 'beloved brother' and 'faithful minister in the Lord.' These aren't just nice words; they reveal a man deeply trusted by the apostle.
A Man of Character
Why this Matters
When Paul sends Tychicus to deliver important news, he's essentially saying, 'You can trust this man and what he tells you.' This commendation ensures the Ephesians will receive the information with confidence, knowing it comes from a reliable source, reflecting Paul's own high regard for him and his ministry.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
A common term in the New Testament referring to fellow members of the Christian community, emphasizing the spiritual family relationship created through faith in Christ.
diakonos · Greek Noun
Refers to one who serves or acts as a servant, particularly in the context of ministry or service to the church and the Gospel.
en Kyrio · Greek Noun/Preposition phrase
In the New Testament, this refers to being united with Christ through faith, serving under His authority, and existing within the sphere of His redemptive work.
This verse highlights the vital role of trusted companions like Tychicus in ancient times, acting as messengers who bridged physical distance and conveyed crucial personal updates when letters alone couldn't suffice.
c. AD 59
Paul's Voyage to Jerusalem
Paul, accompanied by Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia, travels to Jerusalem to deliver contributions from Gentile churches to the poor Christians there.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's First Roman Imprisonment
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes letters to churches like Ephesians and Colossians.
c. AD 62— this verse
Tychicus Sent to Ephesus
Paul sends Tychicus to Ephesus with the letter to the Ephesians, entrusting him to give a full report on Paul's situation and ministry.
c. AD 63-64
Tychicus Visits Crete
Later, Paul intends to send Tychicus to Crete to oversee the churches there, indicating his ongoing trust and Tychicus's role as a reliable minister.
c. AD 65-67
Paul's Second Roman Imprisonment
During his final imprisonment, Paul again relies on Tychicus, sending him to Ephesus to take Timothy's place while Timothy joins Paul in Rome.
This passage also introduces Tychicus, describing him as a 'beloved brother and faithful and common servant in the Lord,' highlighting his consistent role as a trusted messenger for Paul.
Acts 20:4This verse names Tychicus as one of Paul's companions from Asia, providing historical context for his close association with the apostle and his familiarity with the churches in that region.
2 Timothy 4:12Paul again sends Tychicus to Ephesus in this passage, underscoring his reliability and the apostle's confidence in him to carry out important missions and deliver vital messages.
Philippians 2:19-22While not mentioning Tychicus by name, this passage describes Paul's hope to send Timothy, another trusted coworker, to check on the Philippians, mirroring the same concern for personal updates and well-being seen in Ephesians 6:21.
Philemon 1:10-12Paul commends the runaway slave Onesimus, now a brother in Christ, to Philemon, similar to how he commends Tychicus, emphasizing the value of believers serving faithfully within the community and in ministry.
vincentEphesians 6:21: "But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:"
That ye also may know, etc.Compare Cicero to Atticus: "Send us some letter-carrier, that both you may know how it goes with us, and that we may know how you fare and what you are going to do" (v., 18).TychicusSee on Colossians 4:7.A beloved brotherRev., correctly, the beloved brother. Tychicus is referred to as well known.
barnesEphesians 6:21: "But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:"
But that ye also may know my affairs - May understand my condition, my feelings, and in what I am engaged. To them it could not but be a subject of deep interest. And how I do - Greek, "What I do; that is how I am employed. Tychicus - Tychicus was of the province of Asia, in Asia Minor, of which Ephesus was the capital; see Acts…
Paul isn't just sending Tychicus as a messenger; he's sending a deeply trusted friend and minister to bridge the gap created by his physical absence. Tychicus is explicitly called "beloved" and "faithful," emphasizing that the personal connection and trustworthiness are as crucial as the information he carries. This highlights how relational intimacy and reliable witness are essential for the church's unity and understanding, especially when leaders are separated from their communities.
In the closing verses of his letter, Paul is wrapping up his thoughts and wants to ensure the Ephesians have a clear understanding of his current situation. He’s in prison, but he doesn’t want fear or speculation to fill the void; instead, he’s sending Tychicus, a trusted and beloved brother, to personally deliver an update on Paul’s life and ministry. This personal message serves to confirm all that has been written and to provide a direct, reliable account from someone deeply known and trusted by both Paul and the churches.
In the closing verses of his letter, Paul is wrapping up his thoughts and wants to ensure the Ephesians have a clear understanding of his current situation. He’s in prison, but he doesn’t want fear or speculation to fill the void; instead, he’s sending Tychicus, a trusted and beloved brother, to personally deliver an update on Paul’s life and ministry. This personal message serves to confirm all that has been written and to provide a direct, reliable account from someone deeply known and trusted by both Paul and the churches.
"So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything." — Paul isn't just sending Tychicus as a messenger; he's sending a deeply trusted friend and minister to bridge the gap created by his physical absence. Tychicus is explicitly called "beloved" and "fait…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
