John Chrysostom

Here he shows his great love, seeing that for this purpose he sent him, and this was the cause of his journey; and so when writing to the Thessalonians, he said, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, and sent Timothy our brother." (1 Thess. iii. 1, 2.) And to the Ephesians he sends this very same person, and for the very same cause, "That he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts." (Eph. vi. …

Homily on Colossians 11 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here the apostle shows his love for them, since he indeed sent him for the purpose of learning about their affairs, and not for the purpose of informing them about his own; besides that, also for the purpose of comforting them. He also points out that they are in trials and are in need of consolation.

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Why is Tychicus being sent? To learn the condition of the faithful. "Go now, see if it is well with your brothers, and with the flock; and bring me word again" (Gen 37:14); "See how your brothers fare, and bring some token from them" (1 Sam 17:18). He is also to encourage and comfort them: "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith" (Rom 1:11). …

Commentary on Colossians ↗