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 6:13-17, Going to War

¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,“

Eph. 6:13-17, ESV

You’re called to be armor-plated. Ephesians is quite clear about this, and we DARE not live without spiritual protection, and as a matter of fact, we must wear each piece to survive spiritually. To be ‘naked’ is to invite disaster. Neglecting to dress appropriately brings cataclysmic disaster. We dare not minimize the need for armor.

Each piece listed must be worn. This is a scriptural mandate for every believer in Jesus.

“The whole armor of God” explains the equipment we need to survive spiritually. Here’s a list and a brief comment on the six:

• The belt of truth–this pulls everything together and holds us and keeps us secure in the truth.
• The breastplate of righteousness–our spiritual heart is protected by knowing we’re accepted by the Father. Being right with God is not a feeling nor is it a mere hopeful wish.
• The shoes of the gospel (of peace)–the idea of standing in place (“to stand”) explain our ability to be fixed on grace. When we wear battle shoes we cannot be pushed back or lose our footing. Wearing gospel shoes brings us spiritual stability. We can stand in place, rooted and strong.
• The shield of faith–is a vital way of protecting ourselves from the evil arrows shot by the enemy. Satan targets us when he thinks that we aren’t using faith to defend ourselves.
• The helmet of salvation–this is the realization that our mind is protected. This vital piece brings us wholeness as we understand what Jesus has done. We know we are saved and wearing our helmet is our protection from demonic-inspired lies.
• The sword of the Holy Spirit–the only offensive weapon we have, and it’s all we need. The Word of God will frighten the enemy and push him back. The Word slices and cuts down every obstacle and every lie.

Only those who are spiritual perceive the reality of the spiritual foe and hence engage in battle. Such warfare is not fought with arms of the flesh. Because the conflict is spiritual so must the weapons.

     Watchman Nee

I must stress that clothing yourself is vital. You dare not live spiritually naked wearing nothing. You will be totally vulnerable to the satanic wickedness that is swirling around you. I’m afraid it’s all very real and sobering and there is no escape clause until you finally arrive in heaven.

“We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one.”

1 John 5:19, Amplified Bible

I’m afraid you haven’t been given an option in all of this. Our battle equipment in Ephesians 6 is not just some theological preference or concept. It’s real.

Over 40 years of following Jesus have taught me that most believers struggle because they won’t arm themselves for battle. They refuse to acknowledge the environment they’re in and don’t realize the spiritual battle they are facing. They like the sentiment behind this particular passage, (it stirs their heart) but the reality of the battle never fully sinks in.

They end up leaving their armor behind.

The good news is that we have already won because of what the Lord has done. Wearing the armor strengthens and stabilizes us. He pours out His grace, and there will be times of rest of that I am certain. “He leads me beside still waters.”

As obedient and faithful believers we need to realize we’re secure in Him. Yes, there is a terrible fight, but “The battle is the Lord’s.”

“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.”

Psalm 18:39, ESV

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 5:21-24, Submission: A Very Radical Idea

²¹ And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

²² For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. ²³ For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. ²⁴ As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:21-24, NLT

Jesus shows us how to submit. For some the “s-word” grates. We can’t stomach it–it seems screwy and even degrading. Why? (And the Gospel was fantastic up to now!)

A couple of things that I’ve learned (or at least I think I’ve learned.) 🙂

• You shouldn’t separate submission from humility and gentleness.
• You must have humility (and real love) to make submission work biblically.
• If you choose to not do this you end up with something twisted and wrong.
• No one should dominate another, including the Church’s leadership.

Verse 21 should be written in “neon lights.” It must penetrate our hearts before we can even think about verses 22-24. This really is the core thought. We must submit to each other if we genuinely revere Jesus. This honestly isn’t an option and is rarely fully practiced. I doubt “marriage” submission can exist without “church” submission. They complement each other and should function together.

The word “submit” literally means “to arrange under, to submit to another’s control, to subordinate.”

Now the bugaboo. We see “marriage” submission, verses 22-24 and we should realize that this is God’s word (and Spirit). “For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” Notice it says, “to the Lord.” The wife renders this to Jesus and by doing this honors Him directly. Doing this alters the concept of a wife’s submission to her husband.

You must remember that this is all God’s idea.

There’s a loving arrangement in this passage.

1. Jesus Christ, the head and leader of the Church.
2. A husband carries the authority in marriage.
3. A wife who understands that authority.

“”In everything” is often misunderstood. There are some who think that this amounts to mastery or domination. That’s hardly the case in a God-honoring marriage. There’s an incredible difference. Nothing should violate any obedience to God’s Word, or erode our “first love” toward Jesus. (Revelation 2:4).

Husbands need grace. Wives need grace. Being a servant to each other diffuses any conflict that may come and submission should bring joy.

As I read this passage I’m struck by the need for prayer. The husband desperately needs it and the wife could also use a dose or two herself.

“Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.”

    Billy Graham

Ephesians 5:10-14, Carry the Light

¹⁰ Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³ disclosure

“Awake, O sleeper,
    rise up from the dead,
    and Christ will give you light.”

Eph. 5:10-14, NLT

This passage explains two things: the darkness of an unbeliever and the light of the Lord. You and I once walked in the darkest darkness. Nightime was our home, it was what we chose. Looking in the rearview in verse 8, we finally understood.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” 

As believers we now understand that we’ve been fundamentally changed, the black darkness was drained from us (we were full of the night). Instead, now, the light has been infused in us and it has now altered everything. The deathly poison has been stopped.

^10 “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”

We must be careful. We must figure out what pleases our Father, that is critical. His pleasure is paramount.

We must renounce everything dark. Instead, we’re called to “expose them.” I suggest that this isn’t some militant stand that drives us to actively confront the evil inside of a “worlding.” It seems to me it’s more of an understanding of darkness that resides in those who continue sinning, repeatedly over the Father’s mercy.

We are a people infused with light.

Everything is different now. We’ve exposed the night, and our passion is to please Him alone. Our lives now are radically different, as those who have touched the Holy One. Moses once connected with His glory, but now we have connected with Him in a new way. We now carry His light.

.

“It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³ But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them.”

The word “shameful” in the original Greek means “filthiness.” These sins are secret ones, a deep dark wickedness that’s hidden from others. But verse 13 talks about a complete disclosure–a clear revelation of their sin. It seems we must rest in the fact that all will be revealed when God determines all will be known and seen for what it is.

“Awake, O sleeper,
    rise up from the dead,
    and Christ will give you light.”

The resurrection of Jesus woke us up. We “slept” for the longest time but now we’re aware or awake. He’s shined the light on us and we now understand. This verse is written in the form of a poem, perhaps used as a “hymn” for the early Church. The idea here is to be “awake” (or “aroused” from a deep sleep).

“The dead” pretty much describes the radical change of someone whose a sinning corpse into a believer who now has the light. A spiritual revolution–a radical change in our very being. We are incredibly different now.

His light has made us new.

Ephesians 5:6-9, All Aboard!

⁶ “Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. ⁷ Don’t participate in the things these people do.”

⁸ “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! ⁹ For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.“

Eph. 5:6-9, NLT

I can see two major hubs–one going away and one moving toward God. Think of a train station with two separate tracks with trains going in opposite directions. One goes east and the other goes west.

Verses 6-7 warn us that the train going one way will definitely destroy those traveling that way–a derailment or a bridge collapse maybe. But something will happen. However, the one that’s traveling to the light will doubtless find it. When we see it that way a decision to board is easy.

“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 

Fooled has the idea of being tricked into the deception or delusion of another. There are some who will argue, persuasively attempting to draw you in. “Sin? I’m different.” No matter how reasonable they sound, something isn’t quite right (you feel it).

“The anger of God.” Is that doctrine even acceptable anymore?

“Don’t participate in the things these people do.”

The idea behind “participate” is rather chilling. It’s a compound made up of two words: union and companionship, and to become one.

The word “participate” was a word used to become a guest at a special feast.

We’re expressly told not to do this.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.“

There’s quite a contrast here:

• darkness and light
• once and now
• full and have

“So live as people of light! ⁹ For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.“

According to verse 9, God’s light inside you is quite productive. The English Standard Version is very helpful here–“for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

We’re now people of light! God has poured Himself into each believer.

“The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side.“

    G.K. Chesterton

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 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.