Sending letters in the ancient world was nothing like it is today. There were no digital email or any type of regular postal service. One had to send correspondence with someone trustworthy or it might never arrive intact to the one(s) it was intended for. The bearers of such letters often carried news of the sender with which to encourage the hearts of those who received it. Tychicus was one such person. Close to and beloved of Paul , he carried news of Paul to the Christians in Ephesus. He risked his own life to do this.