Tychicus and Onesimus – Two Great Brothers in Christ (Part 3)
It must have been quite a surprise to the church to see Onesimus return to Colossae with Tychicus. He had not been a Christian when he left, but now he returns in full fellowship. No doubt it was difficult for Onesimus to walk back into their midst knowing that Philemon was among them. This demonstrated great courage on his part and trust in the message of the gospel “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11).
Onesimus’ returning to Colossae to face Philemon demonstrated repentance and showed to all that he had truly become a Christian. Given the fact that we have Philemon’s letter, he must have forgiven him and effected a great reconciliation between the two. Christians who believed in the message of the gospel often freed their slaves, and the church sometimes paid for their freedom (Everett Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Eerdmans: 2003, p.61.).
Today we can look back on these two brothers, Tychicus and Onesimus, and learn from their good example of cooperation. Not everyone in the brotherhood is an Apostle Paul! We need plenty of Tychicus-types and Onesimus-types who will engage with our local congregations to do the Lord’s work. These men serve as a great example that the gospel is to be lived daily.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley