Ambrosiaster : And they have sent him with the purpose of making their affairs known to you and to be informed of what is happening with you. Although he says above that he is present with them in spirit and sees what they are doing, messengers are still necessary. For someone becomes more anxious when they see someone coming to consider their conversation; they fear even more if they think they are being watched. For although God sees everything and we know that everything is known to him, because we do not see ourselves being seen by him, we act differently. — Commentary on Colossians John Chrysostom : Admirable! how great is the wisdom of Paul! Observe, he doth not put everything into his Epistles, but only things necessary and urgent. In the first place, being desirous of not drawing them out to a length; and secondly, to make his messenger more respected, by his having also somewhat to relate; thirdly, showing his own affection towards him; for he would not else have entrusted these communications to him. Then, there were things which ought not to be declared in writing. "The beloved brother," he saith. If beloved, he knew all, and he concealed nothing from him. "And faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord." If "faithful," he will speak no falsehood; if "a fellow-servant," he hath shared his trials, so that he has brought together from all sides the grounds of trustworthiness. — Homily on Colossians 11