7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

The emphatic recommendation of Onesimus to the entire church of Colosse was, and no doubt was meant to be a powerful public support for this slave’s freedom, which Paul addressed to Philemon more directly and privately, as an equal member of that church. By calling Onesimus “the faithful and beloved brother” the apostle underscores before the entire church verse 16 of his personal letter to Philemon. Moreover, by designating Onesimus, along with Tychicus, as the co-orator regarding everything pertaining to Paul and the church in Rome the apostle is telling the Colossians, including Philemon, Paul unmistakably signifys that he regards him a privileged minister and equal in the faith – conveying apostolic words received from God to the church. He means for Onesimus to serve the greater purposes of the church and not just the personal interests of Philemon…to the glory of God.  In all this, Paul, at the direction of God, paints the fuller picture of his earlier command for the people of God to submit to their authorities.  The tension of submission to human authority and the authority of God is at display in this letter.  There is no submission that isn’t first under the authority banner of God – to live for His great purposes.  Having a “slave” speak words of authority into our lives is to be the new normal.  Jesus came to turn the world upside down – the weak will be strong, the foolish will shame the wise, and a slave will give words of authority to their masters.  The church will lead righteously and brightly.

Do you really encourage all people in your life to speak freely into your life, to include your children, spouse, co-workers, friends, church members, etc.?  They will have words of authority from God pertaining to your life.  Paul means for us to see that we are all under the authority of Christ.  Colossians shows us that Jesus Christ alone is head over all things. He existed before the world came into being. He is the Creator of all things. He is also the head of the church – the members are all body. Through His death on the cross, He has made it possible for all believing people to be reconciled to Him as equal members under one head.