In the closing verses of this Epistle, various leaders are presented in their connection with Paul. Each one gives a glimpse into what was common to all - a focussed centredness, both in their lifestyle and leadership.

He was not only the bearer of the Ephesian and Colossian letters, he had the confidence of the apostle as his representative.

Colossians 4:7 "All my state shall Tychicus declare ... who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:"

He had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, probably as the appointed delegate of his church, entrusted with their collection (Acts 20:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 ).

Such was his leadership gifting and ability, he was considered by Paul as a suitable replacement for Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12 ). Instead, he was needed at Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12 ).

He was regarded with special affection by the apostle Paul, and endeared himself to all, winning recognition as "a beloved brother" (Colossians 4:7 ).

His loyalty and trustworthiness are expressed in his commendation (Colossians 4:7 ). Such a description implied that he was known for consistent obedience to the Lord and the Scriptures. His consistent faithfulness would be individually testified to by those who knew him to follow through on his promises. He would be known as a faithful minister because he would be seen to live out consistently the qualities of the Christ centred life. In the home, church, and his appointed tasks. He was marked by dependability and reliability. In his correction he was kind, firm and helpful, establishing others in faithfulness.

	He earned the high praise of being with Paul "fellow servant in the Lord." (Colossians 4:7 ).
	He worked harmoniously with Paul, in mutual recognition that they served the Lord first and foremost. They were united in the teaching of this epistle.
	He was associated with Paul in the three critical periods of his life.
	He travelled with Paul during the close of Paul's third missionary journey.
	He went with Paul to Jerusalem.
	He was with Paul to the close of his (Paul's) life (2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12 ).

All of which indicates his loyalty and stickability. Too often when leaders are experiencing hard times the loyalty and support of fellow leaders wanes - and even stops altogether. Loyal stickability marks the servant of Jesus Christ.

Onesimus the runaway slave. Now saved and grown in spiritual stature and called "a faithful and beloved brother" (Colossians 4:9 KJV), could not have been supported by a better companion. He knew Tychicus would stand with him in the hazardous business of restitution in returning to his master, Philemon. He agreed with Paul's insistence on the slave's proper status in the family of God "a brother in the Lord" (Philemon 1:16 ). Paul also knew that dependable Tychicus would have Onesimus sharing the Word to the Colossians along with himself (Colossians 4:9 ). As you mark the excellent traits of Tychicus as a leader, may you happily see the growth and development of them in your life and service.

Colossians 4:10 "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),"

All we read about this man shows an anointed man willing to endure hardship for the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Ephesian riot the followers of Aristarchus sought to do him harm (Acts 19:29 ). He not only agreed with the apostle's teaching, he was willing to suffer for it. He was among those who accompanied Paul on that consequential journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4 ), and endured with Paul the voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1-2 ). He became Paul's fellow prisoner (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24 ).

"Church tradition said Nero put him to death in Rome". Holman's Bible Dictionary

Paul loved him for his loyal endurance.

What a challenge this man is to present day leadership.

Hebrews 10:36 "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:"

Hebrews 10:38 "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

2 Timothy 2:3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Colossians 4:10 "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"

John was his Hebrew name, and Mark or Marcus was his Roman name.

Much of what we read of Mark shows him to have had spiritual and natural privileges. His mother loved and served the Lord (Acts 12:12 ). Her home was a meeting place for the gathering of God's people (Acts 12:12 ). Mark was brought up and trained in godly living. He had a similar upbringing to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15 ). A measure of affluence was evident in his home. The house seemed to be a large one - "many" could be in it at one time (Acts 12:12 ). They had at least one servant.

His uncle Barnabas had a prophetic, apostolic ministry (Colossians 4:10 ). Mark sat under the ministries of Paul and Peter. He was greatly blessed to be converted when he was quite young. Peter may well have called him "son" because of being the one who was the instrument God used in his conversion (1 Peter 5:13 ).

Mark went with Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey - but failed to see the mission through (Acts 13:1-5; 13:13 ). There are many who set out with high hopes in the Lord's service who suffer a spiritual lapse - sometimes because they did not count the cost (Luke 14:27-33 ); or were in too much of a hurry to go beyond their Jerusalem before being obedient there (Acts 1:8 ).

Which Paul recognised with great thankfulness (Colossians 4:10 ).

2 Timothy 4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. "

Where Mark proved weak, he again became strong. Do not write off those who have failed. God is known for remaking broken vessels. Mistakes can teach us not to make the same mistake twice. Peter was greatly humbled by his failure and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62 ). But remember, he who had failed to stand up, became known for his boldness. The Mark who once forsook the field of service, became a travelling minister and authored a gospel.

More often it is disobedience to God's revealed will for them. But God works in spite of their failures, restoring them to joyously doing His will. The breaking point, in His grace, becomes the mending place. In His hand the unprofitable are changed to the profitable. That is a cause for great thankfulness on the part of all in leadership.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Can you give instances when you have seen the excellent traits of Tychicus as a leader, in the leaders around you? (Colossians 4:7-9 ).
2. In which way do you find Aristarchus to be a challenge to you and to leadership? (Colossians 4:10 ).
3. Would you expect one as privileged as Mark to be impervious to a spiritual lapse? (Colossians 4:10 ).