4:8a

I have sent him to you: In some languages a different verb is used for sending people somewhere than the verb used for sending things. Make sure you use the appropriate verb in your language.

Remember that when Paul wrote this letter, he and Tychicus were far away from Colossae, and it would be several weeks before the believers in Colossae read the letter. Not all languages will use the same tense for this sort of action. The possibilities are:

• Use a past tense: “I have sent him to you” because Paul had already sent him by the time the Colossians were reading the letter.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version)

• Use a present tense, as the New International Version does.

(New International Version, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version)

• Use a future tense: “I will send him to you” because Paul had not yet sent him at the moment when he was writing the letter.

Use the tense that would be most natural in your language.

for this very purpose: This means that Paul told Tychicus to go to Colossae for a special purpose. Paul told what this purpose was in 4:8b–c.

4:8b

that you may know about us: This is similar to 4:7a where Paul said that Tychicus would tell the Colossians “all the news about me.” Tychicus would tell the Colossians the news and so they would know what was happening to Paul and his friends.

4:8c

that he may encourage your hearts: This is the second purpose for which Paul sent Tychicus to Colossae.

encourage: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates encourage has several different meanings. It can be translated “help, encourage, comfort, strengthen.” Paul used the same word in 2:2a (see the note there). Paul wanted Tychicus to help the Colossian believers by encouraging them and strengthening their faith.

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