Side Lights on Church Life in the Early Times
G. Barlow. Colossians 4:7-11 All my state shall Tychicus declare to you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord:… A straw will indicate the direction of a current; a bit of glass will reveal a star; a kick of the foot may discover a treasure; a word, a look, an involuntary movement will disclose the leading tendency of an individual character; so, on the crowded stage of life it is not always gigantic and public scenes that are most instructive, but rather trivial, undesigned incidents unnoticed by an ordinary observer. We learn — I. Christian sympathy. 1. As fostering mutual interest in tidings concerning the work of God. The apostle, though in prison and separated from the Colossians, does not abate anything of his interest in their welfare. 2. As a source of encouragement and strength in the Christian life. "That he might know your estate and comfort your heart." II. CHRISTIAN COMMENDATION (ver. 7). The apostle speaks of his two messengers in a way calculated to ensure their favourable reception by the Colossians, and a respectful attention to their message. III. CHRISTIAN COURTESY. Those who sent their salutations were of the circumcision. The Christian spirit triumphed over their prejudices, and their greeting would be all the more valued as an expression of their personal esteem, their brotherly affection, and their oneness in Christ. That courtesy is most refined, graceful, gentle, and acceptable that springs from a Christian spirit. IV. CHRISTIAN HELPFULNESS (ver. 11). How consoling is the sympathy and co-operation of a faithful few. (G. Barlow.) Parallel Verses KJV: All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: WEB: All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.