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Bob Morris Closing Off (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Unlike most of Paul’s letters, this epistle closes without giving greetings to named individuals. This may well be a reflection of the circular nature of the letter, which was intended for a number of congregations, or the fact that Tychicus would soon be bringing Paul’s greetings to them in person in any case. Christian fellowship is always a two-way blessing. Paul sent Tychicus to the church so they would know how he was, but also that they would be encouraged. When we help others in Jesus’ name, we ourselves are blessed, often by the very people we intended to help. Tychicus was a particularly appropriate messenger, because he was Asian, and possibly from Ephesus itself (see Acts 20:4 and 21:29). Many of the readers of the epistle would know him personally. Some traditions indicate that later on he was a bishop in the church. When all is said and done about God’s awesome purposes and the blessings we have in Christ, the rubber hits the road in personal relationships here and now. Our relationships with brothers and sisters and with the Lord are a better measure of our spirituality than what we say or what we know.
Nothing binds us together as much as prayer for one another, particularly when we are far apart. Recently an older woman in my church said to me, “I still pray for you every day”. Not only is that a reminder that I owe her big time, but it makes her very easy to love. Paul began the epistle by wishing the Ephesians “Grace and peace … from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Now, after expanding the meaning of those words almost beyond imagination in the course of his letter, he returns to them in signing off. To a large extent they epitomize the message of the book. To them he adds “love with faith”, which also come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and which echo 1:15-16: For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Father in heaven, thank you for the soaring themes of this book and the wonderful glimpse we can have of your eternal purposes in Christ. Help us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received in him, and may we live together in love, to the praise of your glory. Amen. |
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Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
