This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Colossians 4:8-9
8 Whom [hos] I have sent [pempo] unto [pros] you [humas] for [eis] the same [autos] purpose, [touto] that [hina] he might know [ginosko] your [humon] estate, [peri] and [kai] comfort [parakaleo] your [humon] hearts; [kardia]
9 With [sun] Onesimus, [Onesimos] a faithful [pistos] and [kai] beloved [agapetos] brother, [adelphos] who [hos] is [esti] one of [ek] you. [humon] They shall make known [gnorizo] unto you [humin] all things [pas] which [ho] are done here. [hode] KJV-Interlinear
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; 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. NASB
Tychicus and Onesimus were given the mission of carrying this letter to the Colossians.
Tychicus was introduced briefly yesterday. He was a native of Asia Minor, Acts 20:4, and may have originated from Ephesus, 2 Tim. 4:12. He was with Paul throughout his ministry and was with him during these last few years immediately prior to Paul’s execution.
Tychicus went also to Crete and Ephesus, Titus 3:12, 2 Tim. 4:12
We learned a great deal about Onesimus, when we studied Philemon. Onesimus was the runaway slave, who heard Paul speak while in Rome. Onesimus repented and agreed to return to his former master Philemon, not as a slave, but as an equal in Christ. From the context of that letter, we presume that there was a good ending and reconciliation, in the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.
Paul sent this letter in order to make known his situation to those who were obviously wanting and waiting for word about Paul. This information was to be verbal, as Paul did not write anything, at least not within this letter, regarding his imprisonment and trial.
And, Paul sent this letter in order to convey his thoughts and views on the doctrines contained within it. The encouragement, the hope, the confidence that exists for all who pursue Bible doctrine within their lives.
Remember that in those days, especially in the 60’s A.D., there was terrible unrest throughout the region, and had been for some time.
Judah was filled with rebellion, and Rome was getting ready to send an army to crush it. Within a few short years, Judah would be crushed and millions would die before it was all over. And Jerusalem would be burned to the ground.
In any given generation, there exists unrest and uncertainty, especially within each individual life. Our time is not without its uncertainties. With unemployment rising to double digit figures, which have been common in Europe for many years, the stability of the world seems to be getting more serious by the day.
However, remember one important thing. Bible doctrine is available as long as there is interest and support from positive believers. God does not abandon anyone who is positive and growing. And though the outcome of the world is always uncertain, your spiritual growth will never be in doubt, so long as you pursue it.
