The Epistle to the Ephesians

1. Eph 6:21,22 – “But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.” At this point during his first imprisonment Paul was anticipating his defense before Nero, and his transparency and that of the brethren in Rome is showing here. know is eido– fact, but perfect active subjunctive Important to note is that despite his imprisonment in Rome, Paul was well treated and had many opportunities to teach (Acts 28:17-31). Who is Tychicus? Native of Asia - Acts 20:4 He was a faithful, beloved brother and minister The Epistle to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:21-24 Conclusion of the Epistle 1 Jan 20, 2019 Bob Eckel

2. Presumably was to carry Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. Documented in 2 Tim 4:12 - And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Similar purpose for the letter to Colosse (Col 4:7,8) and Titus (Tit 3:12). And he was to make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. known here is gnorizoandknow ginosko – more experiential knowledge. And some discouragement surrounded the Ephesian church at this time. Eph 3:13 - Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Eph 6:23 – “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” What kind of peace (eirēnē) is this? It can mean prosperity, but perhaps here in context this addresses the body and history between the Jews and Gentiles? Eph 2:14-16 - For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in The Epistle to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:21-24 Conclusion of the Epistle 2 Jan 20, 2019 Bob Eckel

3. His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: Similar salutations (gestures made as a greeting of another's arrival or departure) of peace are not unique to Paul, also seen in other epistles. 1 Pet 5:14 and 1 John 3:14. Mutual love importantlyrests on a common faith – discuss! Eph 3:17-19 - That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Gal 5:6 - For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Compare this source of Peace, Love, Faith from that of the world! The Epistle to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:21-24 Conclusion of the Epistle Jan 20, 2019 Bob Eckel 3

4. Eph 6:24 – “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Grace (charis) is as appropriate at the end of this epistle as it is at the beginning. Eph 1:2 - Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is used similarly in Paul’s benedictions in Rom, 1 Cor, 2 Cor, Gal, Phil, Col, 1 Thess, 2 Thess, 1 Tim, 2 Tim, Titus, Phmn. McCalley – ‘Grace is the distinguishing mark of all Paul’s letters. It has recurred throughout Ephesians (1:2, 7; 2:5, 7-8; 3:2, 8; 4:7). It has a definite article with it indicating previous reference—the grace that he has previously written so much about in this epistle.’ Many commentators translate Grace here as ‘In sincerity’ (that which is incorruptible)– do you agree? Thank you Lord for this epistle – it is foundational for our position in Christ. The Epistle to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:21-24 Conclusion of the Epistle 4 Jan 20, 2019 Bob Eckel