As a result of his many journeys and adventures in starting churches, Paul had many friends and of course many enemies. In closing he knows that many of his readers would want to know the latest news on how he was doing while he was under arrest awaiting possible execution. So he sent Tychicus a friend of his and a fellow Christian worker who everyone already knew, to deliver the letter personally (read Acts 20:1-6; 2 Timothy 4:9-18 and Titus 3:12-15).
21 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. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Even though Paul only used the Greek word translated here as ‘encourage’ twice in this letter (the word was previously used and translated as ‘urge’ in Ephesians 4:1) Paul often wrote on the theme of encouragement, knowing that encouragement is vital for a Christian to give and receive for a number of reasons. For example we need positive feedback on how well we are doing as we serve our Lord (and that also includes admonishment when necessary). When a Christian is facing trouble, persecution or any other problem that slows them down or otherwise prohibits them to do what they are called to do, they may fall to depression or may not understand why they are going through these issues or trials, they will need strong Christian encouragement. In the first chapter of the Book of Romans, Paul said he wanted to “be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12, ESV). A little of encouragement goes a long way, go ahead, try it!
As Paul has explained in this epistle, God provides all that we need and handles every problem, but sometimes when the enemy gains ground or if we start to doubt the existence of God, our hearts will need some encouraging. In Colossians Paul said that since we know Jesus and trust Him, our hearts should be encouraged even if we do not understand (read Colossians 2:2). He also goes on to warn us not to listen to anyone that keeps us from Him or has other ideas (see verses 3-4).
Paul sent Tychicus probably for a number of reasons including the ability for his audience to have the latest news since a letter could easily be out of date and this would allow them to inquire regarding specific questions, plus it could provide an opportunity that would allow Paul to hear back on how things were going in Ephesus at a later date.
So far in this epistle Paul has outlined what it means to be a Christian and how to live as one. If you are a new Christian much of what Paul has said has undoubtedly caused you to rethink a number of presuppositions and the quality of your walk with Jesus. One of the greatest misconceptions in the world today is thinking that it is easy to be a Christian, well it’s not! After reading this epistle one might agree that being a Christian is really quite difficult. To tell the truth, being a Christian is not only difficult it is actually impossible. So why would Paul tell us to live in a way that is impossible? It is only impossible without God. However, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can indeed live as Paul has instructed us to live.
Paul closes with a special blessing, often called a benediction, that his fellow Christians would be granted peace, love and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He also asks that all Christians, those that love Jesus, be given grace. These are what we need to live as a Christian.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Paul opened this letter with a blessing of grace and peace and now he is closing with peace (this is the eighth time he referred to peace in this epistle alone). Peace is mentioned again probably for the same reason Paul mentioned peace in the opening of the letter, however now after going through how a Christian should walk and about Spiritual warfare, the reader may be getting a little anxious or weary. However, knowing God is always in control, should give each of us tremendous peace!
Paul adds a reference to the love and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Both love and faith are mentioned several times in this letter. True love and faith can only be found in God and He generously supplies us with each. God gave the world the greatest example of His love by sending us His Son (see John 3:16). Earlier we discussed how Paul, prior to writing this epistle, wrote about love in his first letter to the church at Corinth (see Chapter 22 regarding 1 Corinthians chapter 13). In that discourse on love, Paul made it clear that the love he is describing is not a love that humans can obtain or offer on their own, we need Jesus to love like that! Fortunately the love of Jesus becomes available to us as soon as we accept Jesus as our Savior since the first item Paul lists as fruit of the Spirit is love (see Galatians 5:22). Regarding faith (and trust) in God as Paul explained earlier it is a gift from God (remember Ephesians 2:8, see Chapter 9) He provides the necessary strength to believe that He will do as He promised and will save us.
Just like the opening of the epistle with peace, he also opened with a blessing of grace. Now once again in the closing he mentions grace. We know that grace is process of receiving something that we do not deserve. As a result of our sin and our sinful nature we should not be allowed to live forever with Jesus, but due to His grace to us, He does! As Christians on earth we have and will continue to fail, but it will be God’s grace and forgiveness that will pull us through life on earth and into eternity with Him, praise God!
Paul says it is those that “love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” Incorruptible love is a love that is real, sincere, pure and without any hidden agendas. Our love for God is to be genuine as He (and He alone) will know if we are faking it!
In just six chapters the Book of Ephesians has given each and every Christian something to consider, regardless if you are a new Christian or a well seasoned one. If we remember nothing else about this incredible epistle we should remember these four words: peace, love, faith and grace. Knowing and loving Jesus allows others to see that we are at peace with what is going on in the world (and as a result ask you for a reason for your hope, see 1 Peter 3:15), our unconditional love demonstrates that we belong to God, our faith shows who is lord in our lives and grace offered to others just as He gives grace to us, is a mighty way to influence them. Go in peace, love, faith and grace!