Ephesians 6:21-24, Good Old Tychicus

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.

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.

(Verses 21-24)

There is much here, and a lot can be seen that communicates Paul’s heart. He’s laid out a ton of theology, and now Paul ends his ‘beefy’ letter with this final benediction or blessing. These final verses are not doctrine so much as they are God’s window into the apostle’s heart.

You are Ephesus. The letter is written to you just as much as that church, and reading (and rereading) we really need to see ourselves as Ephesus (albeit 2000 years removed). The letter belongs to you as much as it belonged to the churches in Asia Minor. You really need to realize this as it changes it from history to personal accountability.

Ephesians is your personal letter from ‘home.’

Please see this as it alters the entire book. It is yours and shouldn’t ever be regulated as fine ideas or sterile theology. This letter belongs to you personally. So dear one, make it yours, for you are God’s target, and as a believer, you are loved!

Tychicus has been chosen to carry this letter to the Ephesians, which will be sent to all the churches in Asia Minor. I’m pretty sure copies will be made, and the original will stay with the bishop of Ephesus. The journey though will be a long one, and the messenger must travel from Rome to Ephesus which only the brave would do. It could be difficult.

“Travelers journeyed in convoy, sometimes hiring soldiers to protect them from robbers who preyed on the unsuspecting. Roman roads made things somewhat easier but still, walking, perhaps hiring a donkey or paying for passage on a merchant’s ship… Travel was for the brave and the strong.”

(https://cloudofwitnesses.org.uk/studies/tychicus)

Tychicus is mentioned 6x in the NT. He was a ‘gospel-veteran’ who ministered with Paul in various places in the Roman empire. Incidentally, it appears he had a good relationship with Timothy who was a new pastor of the church in Ephesus. Tychicus was someone whom Paul trusted implicitly. He was carrying Paul’s heart.

Tychicus was loyal, brave, and completely reliable. I think Paul had confidence that he would do everything necessary to make sure this letter would get through. We find that he was able to do this (thank God). We owe a spiritual debt to this man.

We can skim through this passage and never really see Tychicus at all.

Tychicus seems to have no real preaching ability, but he is called “beloved” and “faithful” in verse 21. In verse 22 he is called a “brother” and a “minister.” That word for minister is διάκονος, deacon and it means “a servant of a king” or a “waiter of tables.” I believe that reveals someone who is a minister to the needy (which is no small thing).

Paul closes his letter with a benediction.

In verses 23-24, we see the blessing is given to the church. He pronounces “peace,” “love,” and “faith.” He speaks out of God’s heart to the Ephesians, and as a leader, he is conveying God’s own blessing. A proper benediction always originates from Him and is hardly just a nice word. It is a powerful thing.

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”

(verse 24)

Ephesians 6:18-20, Pray Hard

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 

¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Eph. 6:18-20, ESV

I am convinced that our most challenging work is learning to pray. Whenever we experience revival, whenever we rediscover our true calling and purpose for living, we do so by prayer. Prayer isn’t the way to get things, it’s how we change.

Prayer is the way we become like Jesus.

Satan’s primary focus is to destroy our prayer lives, he works to eliminate our communion with our Father. He detests that, and he and his demons (and the world system) work overtime to tear down our walk. The enemy concentrates everything on our prayer life.

This passage (v.v. 18-20) emphasizes several truths about prayer. If you take apart these you’ll discover how to shape and direct your ‘time on your knees.’ Notice the following.

There are four “alls” in verse 18!

• All times
• All prayer
• All perseverance
• All the saints

If we go further we see that the word “all” in Greek, (although it’s a simple adjective), gets used 1245 times in the Bible. It can mean:

• all manner of
• the whole or entirety
• everything, or the totality of
• completely

With this in mind we see that Paul stresses the complete effort of prayer and its focus. All the time, every kind, no matter what and for your brother and sisters in Christ. It’s work, spiritual work. It seems that once we put the armor on (verses 10-17) we can stand in God’s own strength.

It’s not enough to wear your armor.

If we’re clothed it’s for the purpose of prayer. Yes we must dress for war and protection, but its ultimate purpose is prayer and intercession. Don’t just wear it but pray out of it. It’ll be work, but you must do this. You must strive in prayer, so much is counting on you.

You can make a difference.

The Church is counting on you. “Paul” (all pastors, teachers, leaders) absolutely need your prayer. We need boldness, we need grace and love, and only God can give it if you’ll only intercede for us.

God will do nothing unless you start to pray. He’s waiting for you to ask. He wants you to intercede for others.

It will not be easy. The enemy wants to suppress your prayer life. He absolutely hates it. Satan wants to see us passive and dull and you cannot let him do this. You have a very critical part and place in God’s kingdom. Perhaps others are waiting for you, and perhaps you’re the only one who can step in the gap for them.

You’ve been given a part of God’s field to care for, you have your own sphere of influence. No one else has it, but you.

There many different ways to pray:

• On your knees
• walking
• standing or sitting
• vocally, or in your thoughts
• with others, a group
• using a prayer list
• “arrow” prayers (shot up with 1-2 sentences)
• using the Psalms or reading the many prayers in the Bible

(I know there are many more, but these are what comes to mind right now.)

There’s a “school” of prayer and the Holy Spirit intends to teach you.

Don’t play hooky. You will make mistakes or lose focus. The Spirit will teach you stanima. You might pray for one or two minutes at first, but it’ll grow and you’ll learn endurance. Remember though–you’re most like Jesus when you start to intercede for others.

Maybe your sanctification comes when you pray?

“You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think.”

-Brother Lawrence

Ephesians 6:5-9, For God Alone

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. ⁶ Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. ⁷ Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

⁹ Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

Eph. 6:5-9, NLT

There was an estimated 8 million slaves in the ancient Roman empire. Many were drawn to the Church partly because of its message of equality and impartiality. This was revolutionary, it simply wasn’t even considered in the society of the day. Christianity was seen by slaves as a way to be liberated even if they still had their chains.

Slavery is wrong–it’s wicked and awful, and we’re glad it’s very much eradicated. Today we still know it exists, but it’s not anything that’s tolerated.

The faith we have in Jesus has changed things so much.

Paul writes to slaves and masters. He addresses the reality of the day, and yet he doesn’t condemn anyone. Slavery is pretty much enmeshed in his culture, but he doesn’t confront it directly. Today some would suggest he was wrong, that he needed to confront and tackle this head-on, but this isn’t what he chooses to do.

Instead, he directly put both slave and master on an equal standing. They must honor the Lord Jesus, for He regards both under His authority. Paul stresses the equality of a slave and a master, and that’s not an option. Both serve each other and both are submitted to one who is over both.

All have the same master. We’re called to serve Jesus who sees all as equals.

In 1st century Rome this was insanely radical. This passage was dynamite to the societal structures of the day and would shake the collective roots of Paul’s readers. The Ephesian’s teeth would rattle. Both slave and master are equals!

We have a lot to learn here.

• We each serve Jesus who is our true Lord and master.
• Completely submitted to Him changes the way we see each other.
• Although society esteems its present structures, as believers we recognize we’re not part of them.
• Finally, the Gospel totally changes everything.

The message of Paul and the Lordship of Jesus has flipped society on its head and we realize our lives have been totally changed.

In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Colossians 3:11

Ephesians 5:31-33, To Love His Wife as Himself

 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³ However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Ephesians 5:31-33

There are a dozen great thoughts (or more) found in this passage. It’s a gold mine. We must look for the sparkle. It’s there believe me. This passage is meant to enrich and strengthen, never to degrade or dominate.

A man leaves his relationship with his mom and dad and joins a “one-flesh” bond with his wife. One flesh is a precious gift of God. It speaks of something quite extraordinary, however, the man might resent this, but it’s stone-cold reality.

I have to believe that this is something that can grow if nurtured. One flesh develops over time; acknowledging this work of God will bring us joy and understanding. Marriage can be an incredible blessing to both husband and wife, and the circumstances (and trials) that come only knit the two together. They are intended to face life with all its ups and downs together as one. (See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)

“This mystery is profound.”

It’s a divine curiosity. “Mystery” in the original Greek means “a secret, something confided only to the initiated.” The one-flesh reality is God’s hidden whisper to a husband and wife, and a clear testimony to a watching world. A husband and wife will understand more and more as their life together unfolds.

Trials and joys will come. But the Father’s intention is to make two into one.

The real mystery is a powerful explanation of Christ with His church. Marriage is a shadow of something much bigger.

The Lord Jesus is united to His people just like the one-flesh of a husband and a wife.

“Let each one of you love his wife as himself.”

This is the solid scriptural direction of developing the “one flesh” relationship. And the way this passage develops seems to suggest that it’s the husband’s responsibility to make it work. He’s the key to this. When he fails to love he fails to display God’s purpose for his marriage. That is tragic.

“Let each of you” includes everyone. Some are strong-willed, stubborn and hard, and others are obliviously ignorant and unaware. But all are called to honor and obey what God is doing in our marriage. “One flesh” will take extensive work, but all the effort expended is His will for both. There is much to learn here. We really must remember that our discipleship includes our marriage, (maybe 90% of it).

Our vows on our wedding day are meant to hold us permanently in place. We’ve made a covenant before God and those who witness our words. These vows knit us into a joyful commitment to each other that endures the challenges of life. This proves a one-flesh marriage.

“Let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

The word “respect” here is also used to describe the relationship that the disciples had with Jesus. There was a reverence and a deep understanding of the teacher/student relationship. The word here can mean fear as well, and perhaps that is a part of it. But in the presence of true love, it’s not a burden.

“I’m one with my wife, and I must think and act that way,” and a wife thinking, “My husband is the head of our oneness, and I need to respect and defer to him as the head,” then you will have a healthy, Biblical marriage.“

-David Guzik

I like the phrase, “My husband is the head of our oneness,” because it really does clarify the marriage of two believers.

Ephesians 5:25-30, Husbands Who Give Up Their Lives

²⁵ For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her ²⁶ to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. ²⁷ He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 

²⁸ In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. ²⁹ No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. ³⁰ And we are members of his body.

Ephesians 5:25-30, NLT

(This is Paul’s continuation of marriage from my last entry, “Ephesians 5:21-24, Submission: A Very Radical Idea.”)

This passage describes the depth of a Christian husband’s love for his wife. It should be profound and dedicated. We’re called to look at Jesus for direction. Jesus is so in love with His Church. “He gave up His life for her.” That’s the standard He set. The word for love is agape, the highest form of love. It’s a sacrificial love that gives up itself for someone else.

That sacrificial love is the husband’s responsibility and joy.

That doesn’t mean husbands are somehow superior or higher-ranking in the Kingdom of God. As a matter of fact, there is an equality that must be understood,

“Showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life,” (1 Peter 3:7).

The passage in Ephesians 5 advances the idea of Jesus actively caring for His church. He watches His own and is quick to meet the needs she has. Paul stresses the idea that husbands are in the position of ministering to their wives in this way as well.

“For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.” (verse 28)

This explains so much and should clarify things. If I love my wife I’m loving myself. Perhaps considering the negative helps out here. If I neglect my wife, I’m really neglecting myself, and it will come back to hurt me.

“A good wife is heaven’s last, best gift to man, – his gem of many virtues, his casket of jewels; her voice is sweet music, her smiles his brightest day, her kiss the guardian of his innocence, her arms the pale of his safety, her industry his surest wealth, her economy his safest steward, her lips his faithful counselors, her bosom the softest pillow of his cares.”

    Jeremy Taylor

Ephesians 5:3-5, Wallowing in the Mud

³ But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 

⁵ For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Ephesians 5:3-5, ESV

Growing up I remember leaning over a fence to watch the pigs. They typically had a mud hole they wallowed in, and the pigs were caked with muck. I’ve been told that since they’ve got to regulate their heat, so they like to roll in the mud. I never saw a clean pig. They were always filthy.

A number of different sins are mentioned here. We can make a list if we want to, but God isn’t really interested. Passages like these are not to be dissected, instead, they’re to be a warning. We dare not think otherwise.

God made us lambs not pigs.

Paul writes to the Ephesian church about holiness and life in the pig pen. Sins are clearly described and we’re warned not to be unholy or unrighteous. As a believer, you must understand these things.

Some “piggish” Christians want to be believers, but by their actions, they deny a life of a saint set apart for godliness. Immorality and impurity have been chosen as acceptable. And since they believe that God will always forgive them they continue to wallow. They’ve made this choice.

Most of the sins listed deal with sexual problems issues that Paul insists are not the way we should live. They are always wrong and always evil. We dare not deceive ourselves into thinking and acting otherwise. In another Epistle Paul clearly tells young Timothy to “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT.)

Flee is a common translation. It means to “shun, vanish, to be saved by flight.” Perhaps this clarifies things. I think verse 5 of this passage is a definite warning:

“Has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.“

If we’re true we must be transformed. We must realize that we’ll never receive the kingdom if we choose to live with these sins. They’re never part of all the things God wants to give us (“an inheritance”). They completely separate us from God’s life. This should scare the bejeebers out of us.

We must renounce these things and we must flee. As believers, we must have good running shoes that will enable us to avoid these sins.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Matthew 5:8

Ephesians 5:1-2, To Mimic Jesus

5 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

Eph. 5:1-2, NLT

The original Greek for “imitate” is μιμητής, the core word “mime.” The opening concept here is to become a mime of God, which is a bit daunting. A more casual idea is to become a copycat, someone who duplicates the things known and seen by another.

We are His children, and we carry a heavenly heredity that identifies us as God’s own. As the Father’s own, living by faith, means you have taken a spiritual “DNA test” which unequivocally declares this truth. No one can take it away, it’s real. It is a documented fact.

The calling of a disciple, or “mimicry” can be seen throughout the New Testament. You and I are called to imitate our leaders, watching and discerning their faithful walk. Perhaps that’s why so much is placed on their lifestyles.

“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1

This is the apostle Paul’s concentrated message–it’s the boiled-down essence of his message to the Church. It’s what he desires most to see in a human being called to Christ and following our leaders.

We need to know what “imitating Christ” really means–to follow Him in the world in obedience. To follow His example, to mimic Jesus, and to do what He did.

“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

“He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (verse 2)

Jesus was your sacrifice, a lamb given for sin, iniquity, perversion, and sickness. What He did was more acceptable than we realize. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:2:

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
    and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over
    for all her sins.”

Ephesians 4:25-29, Making Room for the Devil

²⁵ “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.“

²⁸ “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Paul now takes his good theology (chapters 1-4:24) and gets very practical. It’s not enough to think but we must do it. These five verses tell us that our behavior is just as significant as having good theology. He covers many different areas, and we continually need to stay alert.

Check out this list:

• Lying
• Anger
• Stealing
• Swearing, foul talk

“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.“

The word used for “lies” here is pseudos. It’s where we get the idea of an intentional falsehood, something fake, pretended or a sham. As believers that’s forbidden, when we do so we deny our “one-ness” with each other.

God is always true, a lie has never crossed His lips. To be Christ-like then means that we are people who will always speak the truth as well.

“But let us speak the truth in love.”

Eph 4:15

Love here in the original Greek is agape–God’s own love which is absolute love. It’s a love that doesn’t have limits, it just gives and gives without any kind of a limit. The Father calls us to “talk” this way with others. (Can you imagine what would happen if we started doing this?)

Our lies will always separate and divide. God calls us to use agape love in our connection with others.

“for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

To “give” means to furnish, supply or commit. I suppose the idea means to hand something over to Satan for his use. We do this sometimes, but here that driving force is anger.

“No matter how just your words may be, you ruin everything when you speak with anger.”

    John Chrysostom

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

The first sentence is pretty much clear.

The second sentence means we’re always aware of edifying (building up) others. What we say has incredible power, we strengthen or weaken by what we say to another. The word for encourage is where we get the word “edifice” from. It can mean to construct or assemble.

I suppose that takes thoughtful effort.

What we say matters. Angry, or frustrated and we allow the devil to slam others. It seems even words that are not planned, and not really focused become a bit dangerous. Plain old casual talk can serve a purpose, but there is something better. According to this passage, we can speak to another “deliberately” and pre-planned.

Ephesians 4:14-16, It’s Time to Grow Up

¹⁴ “Then we will no longer be immature like babies. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” 

¹⁵ “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

Ephesians 4:14-16, NLT

This particular passage examines the walk of a believer, especially those who are very young in the faith. It teaches us about false doctrine. It also declares God’s work in bringing us into unity with others. These are critical issues that really need another look. (I’m using the New Living Translation for clarity.)

“We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.”

“Tossed and blown” is the exact Greek phrase used to describe the storm on the Sea of Galilee that the disciples experienced. (See Luke 8:23.) Young believers also can find themselves in a storm of faith and doubt. This verse also tells us that there are people who talk convincingly but are lying. Paul uses the idea of immaturity and the absolute need to grow up.

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.”

The word “fit” in Greek, energeia, is where we get the word “energy” from. Sometimes we’re allowed brief glimpses into what He’s doing, and sometimes we must just accept it by faith. He’s very much at work, constructing a perfect dwelling. He’s doing all this through His effort and energy.

I’m glad that Jesus Christ is the “master carpenter” who builds us together into an eternal dwelling for Himself.

“So that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

There is something robust and alive about His Church. It’s meant to be alive without any disease. That’s Jesus’ plan. The Body is not only healthy but growing. The end result is to be “full of love.”

“Love” here is agapē, a God kind of love that serves and gives no matter what. It’s something that reaches out to another constantly.

It’s His incredible tidal wave of love.

Ephesians 4:11-13, His Special Gifts

“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

Ephesians 4:11-13, CSB

Paul continues to transition from wonderful “theology” to more discipleship matters. (Sort of theology to “theopraxy.”) He’ll continue on this for the remainder of the book. (One could call it “ethics” but it’s more than that.)

“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ” (verse 11).

It’s “He Himself” that’s involved in this, it’s never man’s decision. (See 1 Cor. 12:11.) Some are called and others are not. It’s entirely the decision of Jesus.

• Apostles–those who are “ambassadors” of the Gospel. Their work is often laying a foundation of the Gospel in spiritually needy places. They pretty much understand authority which comes from servanthood.
• Prophets–these men are aware of God’s heart and often speak words of exhortation and comfort. They can speak in a predictive sense but always take their “word” and submit to the elders of a church. They often serve in the area of discernment.
• Evangelists–they serve as those who speak to unbelievers the truth of the Gospel. They also encourage and teach us to do the same. They’re well aware of the Holy Spirit’s burden and filling.
• Pastors–are anointed shepherds who serve God’s people by caring and watching. Wisdom and grace are especially needed.
• Teachers–those called to teach God’s Word in a clear and wise way. Their work is typically Bible based and yet saturated by Holy Spirit.

Notice the word “some” in this verse. From that, we can gather that these men have been selected from others, and their ministry has a special purpose. They function for the benefit of the “saints (v. 12) and as servants (not “rulers”).

“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,”

The old King James Version uses the phrase “perfect the saints.” Although I think the word “equip” is a better translation. It carries the idea of being given the equipment necessary to do the work of the Gospel.

“The work of the ministry” reveals not only our efforts (“work”) but our service to the Body. It’s called “work” here, and “ministry,” or servanthood. They’re both needed in order to assist the Church. There needs to be humility in our work.

“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

“Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.”

  Corrie Ten Boom

“Unity in the faith” declares God’s purpose. This really is our goal. This is our truest calling. It’s an essential purpose behind the Father’s work in each of us. The enemy pushes hard against it.

“Maturity” is the direction we’re moving toward. Some versions use “perfect” which can be confusing.

“We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.“

Colossians 1:28

To become like Jesus is our goal, and in a way that is the truest call. God’s intention is that we become “little Christs” bearing His image and walking in unity with each other.

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