Ephesians 6:21–24
21 6:21So 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. 22 6:22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 6:23Peace be to the brothers,1 and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 6:24Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
1 Or brothers and sisters
Section Overview
This section contains Paul’s concluding remarks to the saints in Ephesus and can be divided into two parts: (1) a commendation of Tychicus and his task (Eph. 6:21–22) and (2) a final benediction (vv. 23–24). Paul describes Tychicus (probably the bearer of the letter) as a “beloved brother” and “faithful minister.” Tychicus was sent to the Ephesian believers for two main reasons: to explain Paul’s current situation and to encourage their hearts. In the final two verses Paul offers a benediction (a prayer invoking God’s blessings on others) for the recipients to experience God’s peace, love, faith, and grace. This passage is strikingly similar to Colossians 4:7–8, suggesting that both letters were authored by Paul at roughly the same time and were carried by Tychicus from Rome to their respective recipients.
Section Outline
Response
This brief conclusion gives us another glimpse into the life and ministry of Paul and his coworkers. First, we learn that Paul always served with a team. It appears that whenever Paul traveled, planted churches, strengthened believers, or was imprisoned, he always had other dedicated believers around him. In Ephesians we read of Tychicus, who went to Rome to help Paul. We know from Acts 20:4 that he accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey. Having become Paul’s faithful companion, Tychicus was sent from Rome as an emissary to Ephesus (Eph. 6:21–22) and Colossae (Col. 4:7–8). Later, Paul made plans to send Tychicus (or Artemas) to the island of Crete so that Titus would be able to visit Paul at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). Finally, Tychicus was sent back to Ephesus in order to replace Timothy and was probably also the bearer of 2 Timothy (2 Tim. 4:12). Paul was constantly investing in and relying on people like Tychicus, Titus, and Timothy to help him in his efforts to share the gospel and build up the churches. From Paul’s example we can learn to invest in others who can join us in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Second, we learn that Paul ultimately relied on God. Paul not only began his letter with an extended praise to God, who has blessed his people with every spiritual blessing; he also concludes with a double benediction as he prays for the Ephesian believers. In addition, Paul twice prayed for his readers in the course of writing the letter (1:15–23; 3:14–21) and exhorts them to prayer as well (6:18–19). Paul is constantly demonstrating that God is the source of all blessing and strength in our lives. In particular, Paul’s benedictory prayer in 6:23–24 highlights God as the source of peace, love, faith, and grace. More than simply a formality at the end of a letter, Paul is earnestly asking for God’s blessing on the saints in Ephesus. Instead of being consumed with his own difficult circumstances and imprisonment, Paul was considering others more significant than himself (cf. Phil. 2:3–4). Likewise, we should be quick to praise God for all things, even when we ourselves are facing difficult circumstances.