But that ye also may know my affairs, [and] how I
do
Both his temporal and spiritual affairs; as that he was in bonds,
and how he was supported under them, and of what use they were to
others; how that he preached in his own hired house, and with
what success; and what ministering brethren he had with him to
assist him; and in what condition was the church at Rome where he
now was: the apostle's life and actions would bear the light, and
what he did was worthy of imitation, and must be both delightful
and useful to know; and the account he sends, by a messenger
hereafter named, of whom he gives the following character, that
credit might be the more readily given to his relation:
Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the
Lord,
shall make known to you all things.
This Tychicus was of Asia, who accompanied the apostle in his
travels, and went with him to Rome, from whence he sent him to
several places to relate his case, and to know the state of the
churches, ( Colossians
4:7 Colossians
4:8 ) ( 2 Timothy
4:12 ) ( Titus 3:12 ) . He calls
him "a beloved brother": he was a "brother", because he was a
partaker of the same grace, was of the same family and household
of God, and was of the same function, being a minister of the
Gospel, and was a "beloved" one: he was beloved of God and
Christ, and of all the saints that knew him, and especially a
brother beloved of the Apostle Paul; and where there is
brotherhood, there should be love: he also styles him a "faithful
minister in the Lord"; he was a "minister" in the work and
service of the Lord, in things pertaining to him; he was one of
his appointing, qualifying, and sending; and he preached Christ,
and him crucified; and was a "faithful" one, to his Lord or
master, in whose name he ministered, to the Gospel which he
ministered, and to the souls of men to whom he ministered; and a
greater character he could not well have; and therefore it need
not be doubted but that he would faithfully relate all things
concerning the apostle, and what he said might be depended on as
truth.