Exploring Ephesians #18 - Ending a Letter Pauline Style
Text: Ephesians 6:18-24
Thesis: To stress the necessity of prayer and of a faith that will stand up for truth and comfort others.
Introduction:
(1) As Paul brings this letter to a close, he gets personal with prayer requests and final words of encouragement.
(2) Let us examine his closing words and note their relevance to us today:
Discussion:
I. Paul’s Prayer Request (vv. 18-20):
A. First, Paul reminds them of the importance of prayer (v. 18).
1. From the context, one should note the role of prayer for the Christian soldier.
a. “The soldier must maintain contact with his commanding officer” (Boles 341).
b. “Prayer is the very spiritual air that the soldier of Christ breathes” (MacArthur 377).
2. Paul’s instructions about prayer are:
a. Pray ‘at all times’
(1) Cf. 1 Thess. 5:17 – without ceasing
(2) Cf. Luke 18:1 – don’t lose heart
b. Pray ‘in the Spirit’
(1) This means “praying under the Spirit’s influence and with his assistance” (Bruce 411).
(2) Cf. Rom. 8:26; 1 Cor. 14:15
c. Prayer helps one ‘be on the alert’
(1) ‘Be on the alert’ (Gr. agrypneo) literally means to “keep from falling asleep” (Boles 342).
(2) Thus, Paul is saying that prayer provides rejuvenation and helps to avoid complacency for Christians.
d. Pray ‘for all the saints’ (i.e., intercessory prayers)
B. Second, Paul requests a special prayer on his behalf (vv. 19-20).
1. Although Paul is in a Roman prison, he does not pray for his release.
2. Instead, he prays for ‘boldness’ to proclaim the gospel faithfully.
a. ‘Boldness’ (Gr. parresia) means “in frank, open, honest, joyful confidence” (Schnackenburg 283).
b. Paul desires to be a faithful ambassador of the gospel whether in chains or free.
II. Paul’s Closing Thoughts (vv. 21-24):
A. In verses 21-22, Paul commends Tychicus to them.
1. Tychicus was a native of Asia Minor.
a. He had journeyed with Paul on a part of the 3rd missionary journey (Acts 20:4).
b. He would be responsible for carrying 3 Pauline epistles to the original recipients (Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon; Col. 4:7-9).
2. Paul thought very highly of Tychicus.
3. Paul sent him to the Ephesians for 3 main purposes:
a. To carry the epistle to them
b. To bring news of Paul’s condition
c. To comfort their hearts
B. In verses 23-24, Paul closes out the letter with a benediction.
1. First, he desires for them to have ‘peace.’
a. The peace envisioned here is peace with God.
b. That is only possible by being ‘in Christ.’
2. Second, he desires for them to have ‘love with faith.’
a. I.e., “Love united with faith; not only desiring that they might have faith, but the faith which worked by love” (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
b. Only God and Jesus can provide this peace and love.
3. Third, he desires for them to have ‘grace.’
a. Paul desires that the Christians enjoy all of God’s divine favor.
b. Only those who love Jesus will be able to enjoy God’s grace.
Conclusion:
(1) As Paul concludes his letter, he still stresses the importance of being ‘in Christ.’
(2) Are you ‘in Christ?’