January 28
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PAUL COMFORTS THE EPHESIANS THROUGH TYCHICUS
21 Now, so that you also may know about my circumstances as to what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers and sisters, 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 with incorruptible love. -Ephesians 6:21-24
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Paul mentions Tychicus in this letter. He was an associate of Paul’s mentioned in other letters (Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12, Titus 3:12). Tychicus seems to have been often used by Paul as a messenger as he mentions in verse 22 in the phrase “as you may know about us. We hear how Paul wants to comfort the Ephesians and everyone else who read the letter about his condition during his imprisonment in Rome. What a loving person Paul is. Who would even think of comforting other people when he is in chains in a prison cell? He is so selfless and concerned how his imprisonment may cause them to lose passion to share the gospel and he wouldn’t want that because that would not bring glory to God.
Paul’s selflessness in the midst of suffering reminds me so much of Jesus comforting his disciples in John 14 when the disciples were all panicking and worried about what would happen to them if Jesus is gone. He says in verses 1-3, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. It is so reassuring for Jesus to say in verse 13 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. And in verse 16-17, Jesus comforts them more with 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. What an amazing selflessness and love Jesus had for his disciples. Paul exhibits this trait to God’s people.
Paul concluded the letter as he began it, with reference to grace and peace, the two necessary cornerstones for the Christian life. He also added the importance of their undying love for the Lord Jesus Christ to close this letter.
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REFLECTION
• How often do we comfort someone for the sake of Jesus?