Friendship in Ministry

At a time when traveling evangelists were looked upon with suspicion, Billy Graham determined to have integrity in his ministry. As a part of this decision, he crafted four rules that governed his conduct: (1) operate with financial transparency; (2) avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality; (3) avoid criticizing other pastors and churches; (4) be painstakingly honest in all publicity. He held himself accountable to a board of directors who publicly set his salary.

Paul also relied on other believers in his ministry. He had a large and diverse group of ministry partners who provided both encouragement and accountability for him in ministry. Many of them risked their lives by their close association with him.

In today’s reading, Paul mentions two of those associates, Tychicus and Onesimus. Tychicus was Paul’s letter-bearer. In a world without a postal system, letters were carried by friends or couriers. But Tychicus was certainly more than just a courier. Paul says he will “tell you all the news about me” as a “dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” (v. 7). He would likely explain the details of Paul’s imprisonment and current ministry to the church. Tychicus was a close companion of Paul who traveled with him to Jerusalem, then was sent by Paul to Crete and Ephesus (Acts 20:4; Titus 3:12; 2 Tim. 4:12).

Onesimus was a runaway slave who had come to faith under Paul’s ministry. His former owner happened to be a part of the Colossian church. Paul let the church know that this former slave was also a dear brother, and now “one of you” (v. 9). Paul sent Onesimus back to his former owner along with another letter, which we now know as the Book of Philemon.

Pray with Us

Will you uphold in prayer Erubey Bautista, James Anderson, Rich McNeill, Steve Takushi, and Tim Canfield in the IT department? They ensure MBI ministries have all the programming, desktop, and software support for successful internet usage.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.