Tychicus and Onesimus worked as a team in Colossi (Colossians 4:7-9). These men were willing servants of Paul and the church at large. They were secretaries writing the letters that Paul dictated and carried messages back and forth between Paul and the churches.
Onesimus was at one time a slave to a man by the name of Philemon. He had escaped enslavement and may have stolen from his former master, but in his travels he eventually met Paul and was converted. He then returned to his former master with a letter from Paul requesting Philemon forgive all his trespasses and treat him as a free brother in The Lord. Apparently Philemon did just that because Onesimus was allowed to travel with Paul on some of his journeys.
These men had the task of encouraging believers and letting them know how Paul was doing. They also reported back to Paul the spiritual state of the churches. They are not the focus of many sermons, nor are they will known to believers today, but their part in our spiritual life was enormous. Without them, we would not have Paul's letters which make up most of the New Testament.
Do not make the mistake of underestimating the value of your quiet servanthood.
