What comes to mind when you think of the word "comfort"? Was there a time in your life when someone drew alongside you and gave you comfort? Was it a gesture, a comment, a look? Comfort has many forms but for our purpose I am going to focus on words that comfort. For example, someone may find themselves waiting to hear from the doctor about a biopsy result. To hear the words, "it's benign," provides you with comfort. Or maybe you are waiting to hear from the surgeon about the cancer that you were recently diagnosed with. You may not sleep at night. To hear, "we got all of it," provides a strong measure of comfort.
The church at Ephesus was particularly concerned for Paul because he was in prison. A Roman prison was harsh and deadly. Naturally they wanted to hear some news of how he was doing. They were afraid for him. Their thoughts may have kept them up at night too. Some may have been praying for him. Some maybe not.
So, he sent Tychicus. Paul writes to them saying,
"But that you also may know of my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts." (Ephesus 6:21,22)
Tychicus was sent four times in Scripture! (Eph 6:22, Col 4:8, 2 Tim 4:12, Tit 3:12) Twice we read that he was sent to comfort. To provide words and to listen to words for the purpose of comfort. And how much comfort he must have brought! Paul was doing well and wanting to know how they were doing. One man sent on missions of comfort throughout the mediterranean world. What a guy. What a role. The traveling comforter.
The Greek word for comfort in this verse is "parakaleo" - one of the primary words used to describe the Holy Spirit. It means "to call to one's side - to beseech, urge, exhort, comfort". Through Tychicus God has given us a palpable example of the work of the Holy Spirit. Tychichus gave comfort, but even moreso the Holy Spirit gives comfort. What words has He said to us? An entire book! For me, Romans 8:29,30 are just such comfort - Predestined, called, justified, glorified - all in aorist tense - completed actions done in the past. So, by Divine Decree, God has already concluded the matter, I am already glorified. It's a done deal. That will help me sleep at night! The real Comforter.
