The Ephesians among whom Paul spent three years in building up the church, were deeply interested in behalf of Paul's condition at Rome as a prisoner. He has been asking in this letter for their prayers, that he might open his mouth with boldness to declare the mystery of the Gospel.

Ver. 21. But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things.

Here we have an important statement for the Ephesians who want information about Paul. Paul is sending this Church letter with a man who is able to convey to the church the information concerning Paul's condition and his brethren who are with him, and of his sufferings during his imprisonment at Rome. This paragraph begins with “but”� adding what follows concerning his affairs at Rome, as much as to say, “I want your prayers. Tychicus will tell you more about me than I can convey in this letter. I am sending him for this very purpose, that you may be relieved of your anxiety on my account.”� Epaphras of Colossia had shown him the love in the Spirit that was felt by him and those in the church who had never seen him in the flesh (Col. 1:8). The tender heart of the Apostle is touched by this assurance, so he sends Tychicus to visit as many of the churches of Asia as possible, bringing them news that will comfort their hearts and relieve their discouragement. He anticipates with some confidence his speedy delivery. Paul is likely soon to be free and we shall hear of him again.

“Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.”� This is the way that the Apostle introduces him to the Ephesians and all the church. His first association with Saint Paul is in Acts (20:4). The Pastoral Epistles show Tychicus in the Apostle's service in his last years (2 Tim. 4: 12).

Ver. 22. Whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

“For this very purpose,”� namely, that the Ephesians might know his affairs and those of the Church at Rome. Messengers of this kind frequently passed between the churches in those ancient times.

“Comfort your hearts,”� by showing them how powerfully he was upheld in his tribulation and how God turned his burdens into the furtherance of the Gospel. Now this must have given consolation not only to the people then living, but to all the followers of God.

Ver. 23. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

All prosperity and continual union with God among yourselves. Love to God and man is the principle of all obedience and union. He breathes out this final blessing.

“And love and faith.”� These people, instructed as they were in this chapter, have faith in the one whom they call their Head, and a more fervent love.

Ver. 24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in (sincerity) uncorruptness.

Love for Christ is the common life of all true Christians. The Christians who understand God's part in bringing about salvation, inheritance, and glorification, have given to them a security in Christ, “Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.”� “If God be for us, who can be against us?”� “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us will give us all things.”�

Thus understanding God's side of our great salvation, the Christian's love for Christ is such that it brings joy and security, no matter what the material and external conditions may be. Our love for Christ is immortal. Everything that God has done for us, purchasing our salvation through His redeeming love; everything is thus expressed in this one word, “Grace be with you.”� The gift of the Holy Spirit is the all sufficiency of grace. He is the innermost sanctuary of our religion.

“Love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.”� These are the last and sealing words of this letter. They stand as the crown and climax to this glorious Epistle. The Apostle has used the term in other passages as synonymous with immortality. We are raised in incorruption. This love is the life of the body of Christ. In it lies the church's immortality. The gates of death prevail not against her. No separation from Christ. Not in life or death. Neither life nor death can part the soul from Him. This is above flesh and blood. Christ now is seated in Heavenly places. He and the church which is the body are above the realm of decay, waiting in Heavenly places.

QUESTIONS

• Who is the bearer of this letter?

• What does Paul say as to his qualifications?

• What is the purpose of sending him?

• What was his mission besides the bearer of this letter?

• How many chapters does this Epistle contain?

• Give the seven subdivisions of the Epistle.

• Explain God's purpose in the first chapter.

• Explain God's purpose in the third chapter.

• What two great prayers are found in this book?

• What was Paul's purpose in each of these prayers?

• How does the teaching differ in the last two chapters from the first three chapters?

• Why was the armor introduced at the close of this letter?

Note: It is here because our blessings and standing are in the Heavenlies, and our conflict therefore, is in Heavenly places. If it were not for that, we would have no need of this Divine armor. We need the girdle of truth, the truth taught in Ephesians. We need the breastplate of righteousness, God's righteousness as we have learned in the Book of Romans. We need the helmet of salvation combined in these two as revealed in God's Word, which is the Spirit's Sword, Faith's shield is Christ. All is contained in Him and His grace or favor which gives us our standing in Him: “Blessed with all Spiritual blessings in Christ,”� and Christ is the shield which preserves all these blessings to us. Faith can quench the fiery darts of the evil one. We have learned (Rom. 6:11) “That by faith we know that we died and rose with Him.”� We also learned (Eph. 2:6) that we sit in Heavenly places with Him. Through these Spiritual forces in the defense of spiritual blessings we shall be able to meet the foes of the Church and be true to the Captain of our salvation who has made us worthy to wear this Divine armor.