Friday, 25 November 2016
…whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6:22
“Whom” is speaking of Tychicus of the previous verse. The words, “for this very purpose,” relate to what Paul just said to them – “…that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing.” He had sent Tychichus to Ephesus with his epistle, entrusting him to fill in all of the information about him which was unstated in the letter. This then explains why the book of Ephesians lacks the usual personal greetings, general well-wishes, and other such messages which are found in some of his other epistles.
Tychicus was obviously faithful in his ability to recount anything that Paul passed on to him. If there was a personal greeting, he would relay it. If there was a note of commendation, he would relay it. If someone needed correction, Tychicus was competent and faithful to ensure it was passed on. For the most part though, the duties of Tychicus were to relate how Paul and those with him were faring, “and that he may comfort your hearts.”
They certainly would want to know how Paul was getting along while in prison. They would want to know about his care, any visitors, how he was treated, and so on. With this knowledge, their hearts would be comforted.
It appears that Tychicus was eminently suited to this task, because a word for word parallel of this verse is found in Colossians 4:8. The whole thought concerning him and his special duties says –
“Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.” Colossians 4:7-9
This then is a statement of complete confidence in Tychicus which stands as a personal commission concerning him.
Life application: It is always good to know that a person can be completely trusted. Is this how others see us? Are we willing to conduct our lives with such high integrity that we can be relied upon with even the most sensitive or personal material? Let us endeavor to be such people at all times.
Lord God, Your word says that a good name is better than precious ointment. Help us to be people of integrity, who seek after a good name that can be trusted in all matters. Help us to have such high integrity that we can be relied upon in all ways, even in the most sensitive matters that arise. Because we bear Your name, our actions ultimately reflect upon You. And so help us in this Lord. Help us to be people of peak integrity. Amen.