Ephesians 6:21,22

Text (Ephesians 6:21-22)

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

Thought Questions (Ephesians 6:21-22)

391.

How do these verses explain the lack of personal references in Ephesians?

392.

THE INTERPRETER'S BIBLE says that these verses were taken down almost word for word from Colossians 4:7-8, and were certainly set down with that passage before the writer's eyes. Do you agree? Why or why not?

393.

Why might the Ephesians have been in need of some comforting concerning Paul's affairs?

394.

Check your Bible cross-references, or your concordance, concerning Tychicus. What else do we know about him?

Paraphrase

21.

Now that you Ephesians may also know what things have happened to me and what I am doing, I have sent Tychicus unto you, who is a brother greatly beloved for his many excellent qualities, and also is a faithful minister in the Lord, who will make known to you all things concerning me.

22.

I am sending him for this specific purpose that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort and exhort your hearts by the news of how God has used me even in my imprisonment.

Notes (Ephesians 6:21-22)

1.

See Introduction, Section VII, concerning why Paul sent Tychicus with the personal news, rather than including it in this letter, as he did in numerous other letters.

2.

Tychicus is mentioned in Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12. Tychicus was from Asia (Ephesus). Paul calls him a beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow-servant. Paul sent him on several missions, and he did the work with earnestness and ability. He travelled with those who bore the offering for the poor of Judea. We wish we knew more about Tychicus. God has countless such fine workmen in His kingdom, about whom little is known, but when God shall render unto them according to their works, then shall we know them better (and they shall know us better).

Fact Questions

335.

Who was sent to inform the Ephesians of Paul's personal affairs?

336.

How (two ways) does Paul describe Tychicus?

337.

What purposes did Paul have in mind for the Ephesians in sending Tychicus (Ephesians 6:22)?

Text (Ephesians 6:23-24)

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 6:23-24)

395.

What word in this benediction is found in the close of every one of Paul's epistles (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; etc.)? What does this word mean? (See notes on Ephesians 1:6.)

396.

What would be the benefit of faith accompanying love?

397.

What kind of love is incorruptible love? Do you have such love?

Paraphrase

23.

To my brethren at Ephesus whom I have known, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus whose faces I have not seen, I pray that you may have peace, and mutual love with true faith that will preserve the love, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24.

May the favor of God be with all them who love our Lord Jesus with incorruptible sincerity.

Fact Questions

338.

What three things does Paul wish for the Ephesians in Ephesians 6:23?

339.

What did Paul wish for all those who love the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 6:24)?

340.

What type of love did the Ephesians need to have?