The Grace-Filled Community of Lovers
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; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians 6:21-24
Concluding thoughts to a blessed community who lives and moves in and through the power of God’s blessing revealed in the cross.
A. Though Paul is in chains, his concern is for their welfare. He sends Tychicus that he might
• Make all things known to them
• Reveal Paul’s affairs to them
• Comfort their hearts
In spite of his own discomforts, Paul’s focus is on building up the community of Christ in their most holy faith.
B. Deviating from his normal “Grace and Peace” benediction, Paul mentions “Peace” and then “Grace.”
C. He blesses the community (brethren) with peace and love with faith.
This peace is the power fo the cross that separates the dividing wall and brings Jew and Gentile together. In this cross life, the two become one new man, thus they live in love and faith with one another. In this verse, the love and faith most likely refer to the riches of relationship shared between the believers.
D. He blesses the community with grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the power of God that sustains the community, that causes brotherly love, that builds up this community into Christ Jesus. So everything is dependent upon God’s action and God’s power and God’s favor and God’s blessing. This overwhelming goodness of God stirs the heart to overflow with love. This love cannot be compared with the redeeming love that God demonstrates toward us, but rather it is a love that is in fact an overflow of praise, reverence, delight, and desire for the Lord.
E. He ends with a word which can mean “in sincerity,” “in eternity” or “incorruptible.” This grace the flows out in love toward God and peace and love and faith among the brethren is not fleeting but sustains us now and forever.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.