Ephesians 6:21–24 (ESV) —
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
NOTE: Paul could have written how he and his companions ('we') were doing. Instead, he give Tychicus that responsibility. I don't think Paul saw himself as a person writing what would become much of the New Testament. But God knew how he was going to use these writings. While some books do carry a lot of detail (such as the end of Romans), everything is as it is for a purpose. The focus of Ephesians is the body of Christ and transformation by putting on and putting off. Too much additional information would have taken away from the main points.
It appears that Tychicus was given the same responsibility to the Colossian church (relating how Paul was doing). There are a lot of similarities in the two letters, and yet they are unique to the particular issues of the church. Together, Paul's letters map out the theology of the Christian faith. Yes, it is Jewish in its foundation, but it removes the barrier, the law, that was intended to show the Jewish people their need for a savior. Paul's letters help Gentiles to understand how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob pursued Gentiles and saved them.
PONDER:
- Do I know the scriptures, really know the scriptures? They are the key to walking with God
PRAYER: Father, thank you for the New Testament writers. Thank you for how you put together a completely coherent picture of faith and salvation. I pray we would be faithful to dig in your word every day.
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