Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:21-24
“So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.”
Except for imperial business, the Roman Empire had no postal service. Therefore, news was carried by individuals via word of mouth.
There is an important truth to be gleaned here, I believe. Paul wrote Ephesians by the Spirit of God (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17). However, he did not include everything in the epistle; Tychicus, after all, was charged with telling the Ephesians everything.
Paul included in his epistle what was necessary for the Ephesians’ spiritual nourishment and growth. God has included in Scripture every single thing I need to get to heaven (cf. 2 Pet 1:3). There are many questions I have (wouldn’t you, for example, love to know about Paul’s condition and what Tychicus shared with the Ephesians?); however, those things are trivia. We must remember that we have the truth.
Why is it important to remember that we have all that we need? How should the Christian handle his questions?
Tychicus would tell the Ephesians everything. Tychicus was a common travel companion to Paul (cf. Acts 20:4; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12; Tit 3:12). Paul called him “the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.” What makes someone a “beloved brother?” What makes someone a “faithful minister in the Lord?” The Greek term for “minister” means “servant.”
“I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.”
Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesians for two reasons: 1) that they might know how Paul and his companions are; and 2) that he might encourage the hearts of the Ephesians. We’ve already discussed Tychicus’ going to the Ephesians to let them know how Paul was doing.
Let’s think about encouraging their hearts. Why does the heart sometimes need encouraging? Can you think of any reasons the Ephesians’ hearts would need to be encouraged? How can the Christian encourage someone’s heart?
“Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is a typical closing of an epistle in antiquity.
How can peace be upon brothers in the midst of strife? What does love have to do with faith?
“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”
The Old Testament promised God’s covenantal love to those who loved him (cf. Ex 20:6; Deut 5:10; Neh 1:5; Dan 9:5). Now that promise is made to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Why the change?
How does one love the Lord Jesus Christ? How does he do so “with love incorruptible?”
This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.