What does Colossians 4:8 mean?

After describing Tychicus (Colossians 4:7), Paul explains why he was sending him: for encouragement and to deliver news. Paul seems to have felt these needs required more than just a written letter. Paul wanted the Colossian Christians to hear directly from a live person who had served alongside him. This is why Paul would have sent someone like Tychicus personally. In that day and time, communication was vastly slower than it is today. Rumors could easily spread without an easy way to know the real details of a matter. Sending Tychicus, along with a written letter, offered two points of evidence backing up the truth.

Along with Onesimus (Colossians 4:9), there would be two living witnesses and Paul's written letter to verify what was really happening. Also, as an eyewitness to Paul's ministry, Tychicus could personally encourage the Colossian believers. He was apparently gifted in this area, both assisting Paul and helping other believers in the faith.