Paul the
apostle had given instructions to the Ephesian church members whom he
cared for deeply and desired to flourish in their spiritual walk with
Jesus Christ. He sent “Tychicus a beloved brother and faithful
minister in the Lord” to “make known all things” of
Paul's “affairs” and “how” he did. In chapter
six and verse twenty-two of his letter, Paul gave another reason for
sending “Tychicus” to the church where we read:
Whom I
have sent unto you for the same purpose,
that you
might know our affairs, and that
he might comfort your hearts.
The
verse begins, “Whom I have sent unto you for the same
purpose,...” Paul began with the words, “Whom I have sent”
or “bid to be carried, thrust into and inserted” “unto
you” which refers to the Ephesian church members “for the
same” or “equal, as previously mention when the whole
discourse is looked at and must be applied” “purpose”
which means “the intent and absolute”. Paul sent “Tychicus”
to the Ephesians so they may know about his current affairs and
conditions.
The
verse goes on to say, “...that you might
know our affairs, and that
he might comfort your hearts.” Paul added,
“that you might know”
or “learn, get a knowledge of, perceive, understand, be acquainted
with and follow” “our affairs”
which refers to “Paul and his companions account, cause and that
which is around and near”, “and that he”
which refers to “Tychicus” “might
comfort” or “come to one's side, call
for, summon, address, entreat, comfort, admonish and exhort” “your
hearts” which means “the center of all
physical and spiritual life”. “Tychicus”
was commissioned to share with the Ephesians about Paul and his
companions' “state” so they would be “entreated and comforted”
within their “hearts”.
When
we consider these words of Paul, we admire his care and concern for
the church in Ephesus. He knew they would be wondering about the
conditions of he and his companions, and rather than let them wonder
and be bewildered, he gave “Tychicus” the responsibility
of informing them. As we grow closer to Jesus Christ, we will grow
closer to His people, and our love for them will cause us to not only
share our lives with them, but also to gain knowledge of how they
fair as well. May the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy
Spirit help us to allow others to know our “affairs” and allow us
to perceive theirs.
Next
time Paul shares the beginning of his final words to the Ephesians,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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