Imagine what it must have been like in Troas to meet the boat carrying the seven brethren listed in Acts 20. 4! They were among the fruits of the apostles’ labours, and of these, Tychicus and Trophimus were two. Both were from Asia, and we read a little more of the former. Their experiences as they observed Paul and Silas in their work for the Lord – planting, building up, being persecuted, yet all the time exhibiting their love and devotion to the Lord – makes us long to know more of them.
Of Tychicus we learn four things in particular. Firstly,Paul describes him twice as a ‘beloved brother’. Obviously a real bond had been built up between the apostle and this man and, although Tychicus was much younger in the faith, Paul had displayed a love towards him which had been reciprocated.
Secondly,Paul twice describes him as a ‘faithful minister’. In a day of fickleness and adversity, how good to have men with you who are faithful (reliable and trustworthy) men on whom you can count, whatever the circumstances.
Thirdly,Paul describes him as a ‘fellow servant’. Along with the previous picture we can see a brother not afraid of work – not afraid to acknowledge the need around him and doing something to meet that need.
Fourthly,Paul commends him on two occasions as being one he can send to ‘comfort your hearts’. Although the Holy Spirit thus ministers, it is good to have brethren and sisters who also will undertake this ministry, both within assembly circles and towards our unsaved friends and neighbours.
Trophimus is referred to as being ‘left at Miletus sick’, and this may indicate something of his physical state. It ought to encourage believers who may not enjoy the best of health to realize that there is still a work they can do for God, albeit in private rather than public. Often such believers can exercise a ministry that robust saints may overlook.
Let’s look to God to raise up younger brethren and sisters of whom these attributes will be true. God’s assemblies must be built up with saints who are completely devoted to His great work.
