Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

We have arrived at Paul’s closing greetings. Notice firstly that Paul expresses his fellowship with the Ephesians by sending Tychicus as his postman. Paul, knowing how much they love him, wants to reassure them that although he is in prison, he is still in good spirits. Tychicus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). He was a ‘faithful minister and fellow servant’ who also carried the letter to Colossae (Col. 4:7). In doing so he accompanied Onesimus and probably encouraged Philemon, of Colossae, to forgive his former slave (Phlm. 10–11, 17). 

We do not know much about Tychicus, but he was a trusted messenger, a faithful servant and a loyal friend. The New Testament is full of anonymous believers. Faithfulness is more important than recognition. What does the example of Tychicus teach us about friendship? 

Paul then appropriately concludes as he began by referring to God’s peace and grace. We have noticed that certain themes keep re-emerging as we read this letter. Look back over it and identify the following themes: 

• The grace of God. How is God’s grace experienced in the gospel? What blessings does God’s grace bring into the lives of His people? 
• The church of Christ. What images does Paul use to describe the church? Why is it precious to him? What is its dignity and its destiny? 
• The work of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Spirit? What does He do? How should we respond to His ministry? 

Finally, Paul identifies one of the principal characteristics of the church in Ephesus: they are those ‘who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love’ (v. 24). It is a wonderful thing to have such a reputation. Do you want to be known for your love for Christ? However, there is a challenge here as well. About thirty years after Paul wrote these words, Jesus personally addressed this church. He commended their hard work, passion for truth, and faithfulness in the face of persecution (Rev. 2:2–3, 6). But something had gone seriously wrong at the heart of the church: ‘I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first’ (Rev. 2:4). A church that has lost its first love has no secure future unless it remembers and returns to this (Rev. 2:5).

Reflection

Here is a clear reminder that we must persevere in our Christian discipleship. What have you learned in these studies of Ephesians to encourage you to persevere?