Ephesians 6:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

NIV: I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

NASB: I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

CSB: I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.

NLT: I have sent him to you for this very purpose — to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

KJV: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

NKJV: whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.

This verse clearly expresses the reasons Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus with this letter: "I have sent him to you for this very purpose." Two reasons are given. First, "that you may know how we are." The "we" in this verse may also refer to the others serving with Paul in Rome during this time. These included Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:10–14).

Second, Paul sent Tychicus to "encourage your hearts." Tychicus was likely gifted as an encourager. Paul wanted him to build up the Ephesian believers with encouraging stories and teachings in addition to those shared in Paul's written letter. Tychicus is also noted as a person who would encourage the hearts of the Colossian believers (Colossians 4:8). Though not the top leader, Tychicus served as an important figure and had tremendous influence in the early church, traveling to several locations both with Paul and apart from him to share the gospel and encourage early believers.

Ephesians 6:21–24 completes Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. He has just described our tools of spiritual warfare, using the analogy of a soldier's armor. He has also reminded Christians of the importance of prayer in our moment-by-moment discipleship with Christ. In these closing verses, Paul will explain his plans to send Tychicus, one of his long-serving assistants, to deliver both this letter and additional news.

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:38:37 AM