Author: Will

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy

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And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Truth to Learn

Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy.

Behind the Words

 “Followers” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone else.”

The words “having received” are from dechomai, meaning “to receive.” It is very similar in meaning to the verb lambanō except that lambanō implies more of an active participation (to take to oneself) while dechomai implies more of a subjective or passive participation (to receive to oneself).

Thlipsis is the Greek word translated “affliction.” It is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush” or “to squeeze.” Thlipsis refers to “pressure, trouble, affliction, or distress.”

“Joy” is translated from chara, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, chara refers to “joy, rejoicing, or gladness.”

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned yesterday, belief in the good news about Jesus Christ is the substance of our salvation. The whole discussion of election versus “free will” becomes a moot point at the moment of conversion. It doesn’t matter whether you believe that God chose or man chooses; what matters is that a lost sinner becomes a child of God and is credited with the righteousness of Christ at the moment of faith.

Then, at the end of yesterday’s verse Paul said, “as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” Paul did not expect the people to whom he preached to pay him for what he did. Instead, he worked as a tent maker to pay for his own expenses. He, along with Silvanus and Timothy, lived exemplary lives in spite of the persecution they faced from the local Jews, who even traveled to Berea to harass Paul after he began preaching there. It is important to note that Paul’s ministry didn’t stop when people got saved. He simply switched from evangelist mode to teacher mode. He taught them the fundamental truths of how to live a life committed to God, and he lived the kind of life that he taught about.

As a result, we learn in today’s verse that the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and his companions. They didn’t just listen to their teaching, smile politely, say a few amens, and then continue living as they always had. They changed. They put into practice what they were taught, using as their living examples Paul and his companions. And what did they get for it? They received the same persecution that Paul continually endured. We are told here that it wasn’t just a little teasing that they received, they suffered “much affliction.”

Those who afflicted them did so intentionally to make them suffer, but they didn’t complain; instead, they endured it with joy in their hearts. That’s committed Christian living.

Application

Christ told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer …” (John 16:33b)  Rather than causing us sadness, persecution and hardship should cause us to be as joyous as the Thessalonians, particularly if it has come upon us as a result of our living our Christian faith. Are you willing to suffer for Him? Think about how much He gave for you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment

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For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Truth to Learn

The empowering Spirit

Behind the Words

The word “gospel” is translated from euangellion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “a message.” Thus, quite literally, the word euangellion means “a good message” or “good news.”

“Power” is the translation of dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “power” or “a great force.” This is probably a reference to the power of the gospel message rather than the power of any miracles that Paul may have performed because Paul never uses this particular word to refer to miracles. He used dunamis in a similar manner in reference to the kingdom of God in 1Corinthians 4:20.

The word “assurance” is translated from plērophoria, which is made up of plerēs, meaning “completely full” and a form of phoreō, which means “to repeatedly bring.” Initially this word meant “an act which is fully completed over and over again.” Later it came to mean “a proof or assurance that something would happen just as it has in the past.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has told the members of the church in Thessalonica that he prays for them and praises God for them on a regular basis. His praise was for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience, based on their hope for spending eternity with God. His reason for praise is based on the fact that he has seen (evidenced by their works and patience) that they are certainly among God’s elect.

We talked in the previous verse about the fact of God’s choosing those who will be saved. The other side of that coin, however, is the responsibility of man. Only those who believe the gospel message, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be saved. How these two doctrines can both be true is nearly impossible for us to understand. However, it is that very gospel message that Paul talks about in today’s verse.

The gospel, or good news, that Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world and rose from the grave to prove that He is the Son of God, is not just a bunch of words. There is power in the gospel, the power to save souls from Hell, the power to change a sinner into a saint, the power to reconcile filthy sinners with a holy God.

Paul also tells us that the gospel is somehow energized by the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that Satan blinds the minds of people so that they cannot believe the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). We also know from the same letter that the veil of blindness is removed when one believes the gospel (2Corinthians 3:14-16). Paul implies here that it is the Holy Spirit who opens the minds of those who believe.

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, can you remember the day that you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If so, can you identify what it was that finally allowed you to understand the gospel and believe it in your heart? It was the Holy Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Chosen and Loved

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knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are chosen by and loved by God.

Behind the Words

The word “knowing” is from the Greek verb oida, which means “to see with perception,” that is, “to be aware of.” It is expressed here as a casual participle, so it could be translated as “since we know.”

“Beloved” is a form of the verb agape, a self-sacrificing love which is spoken almost exclusively of God. Therefore, we could refer to them as “brothers who are loved by God.”

“Election” is translated from the noun form of the verb eklegō. This verb is composed of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and the verb legō, meaning “to choose” or “to select.” As used here it means “someone who has been selected, or chosen, by God.”

Meaning Explained

We have been talking about the fact that Paul and his two companions, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, regularly and unceasingly pray for and praise the Christians in the church at Thessalonica. Paul adds here that the Thessalonica Christians have been chosen by God and, therefore, are among those who are loved by God with an everlasting, self-sacrificing love.

Election is one of those theological concepts that many Christians love to hate. Opponents of the concept say, “How can a loving God choose some and send others to Hell? That’s just not fair and God wouldn’t do that.” First of all, God does not choose anyone to go to Hell. It’s what we all deserve because we are all unrighteous sinners, and God’s holiness and righteousness demand that all sinners must be judged since we are all deserving of death:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Jesus, Himself, told his disciples:

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, (John 15:16a).

And, Apostles Peter and Paul clearly teach that God chooses whom He decides (Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7, 8; Ephesians 1:4; 2Peter 1:10). And Paul argues very strongly that God loved Jacob and hated Esau, arguing that God is not unrighteous in doing so. After all, as Paul says, doesn’t the potter (God) have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? This is stated very clearly in Romans 9:10-21.

In today’s verse Paul is telling his readers that he and those with him know (they have seen and perceived) the election of the Christians in Thessalonica. And from the previous verse we see that it is the deeds of faith and labor of love that demonstrate the election of these saints.

Application

None of us deserves God’s grace. We didn’t deserve to be chosen and we don’t know why He chose us. What we do know is that all Christians have been given a gift of immeasurable worth that we didn’t earn and we don’t deserve. Let’s show our gratitude by serving Him faithfully.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:3 – Hang In There!

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remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

Truth to Learn

The Christian life requires hard work and patience.

Behind the Words

“Without ceasing” is translated from adialeiptōs, made up of a, meaning “without,” dia, meaning “through” or “between,” and a form of the verb leipō, meaning “to leave.” Thus, adialeiptōs literally means “without leaving space between.” In other words, it means doing something without pausing or stopping.

Ergon is the Greek word translated “work.” It refers to “toil labor, or work.” It doesn’t necessarily refer to “hard work,” but any kind of work, any act, or any deed performed.

The word “labor” is from the Greek word kopos, which is derived from the verb koptō, meaning “to cut” or “to beat on one’s chest in grief.” Kopos refers to the pain of toil or hard work. By analogy it refers to wearisome labor.

“Patience” is from the word hupomonē, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of the verb menō, meaning “to remain” or “to stay in place.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load instead of shaking it off. Therefore, it carries the meaning of being steadfast or patient.

“Hope” is from elpidos, which means more than just a wish. It implies a desire for some good thing with the full expectation that it will come to pass.

Meaning Explained

Yesterday we learned that Paul and his partners were persistent in praying for the people to whom they had been ministering. They cared so much for the Thessalonians that they prayed for them regularly. Here we learn that the prayers weren’t for God to help the Thessalonians; Paul and his companions gave praise to God for the way they lived-out their faith.

In their prayers they remembered and praised the work of faith that the Christians in Thessalonica were engaged in. Being a committed Christian is not easy. It involves persistence because our work of spreading the gospel and building up our fellow Christians is constantly under attack from those who oppose us. The members of the church in Thessalonica apparently were undaunted in their efforts. Paul referred to it as both a work of faith and labor of love. Note the distinction between work of faith (our works will follow us into heaven where we will get rewards for them) and the labor of love (in heaven we will have rest from our hard labor).

Paul also praised the Thessalonians for their patience. The Greek word hupomonē is a very descriptive word. Remaining steadfast in our faith is difficult at times because we can’t see God, we can’t feel His hand of comfort, and we can't hear His words of encouragement except by faith. But in spite of that we have a hope (a firm expectation) that we will be eternally in His presence one day, and that helps us remain under the load.

Application

Be steadfast and patient in your good deeds and hard labor for God. He sees all that you do, and He will reward you for everything you do to bring Him glory. Hang in there! You will receive the rewards of your labor one day.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:2 – Prayer Warriors

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We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

Truth to Learn

Our ministry should be focused on what God will do for others.

Behind the Words

The words “We give thanks” are translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” The basic meanings of this word include “to show oneself to be pleased or grateful” or “to give thanks.”

“Always” is from pantote, which is a compound word composed of pan, meaning “all” or “every” and tote, which literally means “the when,” but by usage it means “then.” So a completely literal translation of this word would be “every when,” that is, “at all times.”

“Making mention” is translated from poioumenoi mneian. Poioumenoi is the present participle of the verb poieō (to make), so it literally means “making.” Mneian is based on the verb mnaomai, meaning “to remember.” Thus mneian refers to “a remembrance.” So, Paul is literally saying “making a remembrance of you …”

The word translated “prayers” is proseuchē, which is made up of pros, meaning “to” or “toward” and a form of euchomai, meaning “to wish” or “to pray.” Proseuchē refers specifically to a prayer (or wish) expressed to God.

Meaning Explained

We see something here that is very characteristic of the Apostle Paul. He is a person of prayer as much as (perhaps even more than) he is a preacher. His letters often talk about how he remembers in his prayers, and is thankful for, those to whom he is writing (Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4). We also see here an example of how often Paul is engaged in prayer (pantote = “every when”), that is, all the time. Based on what he has written to this church and others, Paul was constantly in prayer. Perhaps, he was not audibly praying at all times, but he seems to have been in constant communication with our Heavenly Father. He obviously practiced what he preached, for later in this very letter he admonishes his readers to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17).

However, Paul was not a lonely prayer warrior. He states very clearly here that “We give thanks …” It appears that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy spent time together praying about their ministry and praying for those to whom they ministered. These servants of God did not just preach the gospel to one group of people and then move on to preach to others, forgetting those to whom they ministered as soon as they were out of sight. No, they made constant remembrances of every church they had ministered to and probably remembered most of the people by name.

These faithful ministers were not focused on what God would do for them; they were focused on what God would do for others through them.

Application

Do you have a specific ministry within the church? If so, are you ministering to others for what you can get out of it, or are you ministering to others for what they can get from God? And, do you pray regularly for those to whom you minister?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1Thessalonians 1:1 – Grace and Peace

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Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

All Christians can know peace in the midst of attack.

Behind the Words

“Church” is translated from the Greek word ekklēsia, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of the verb kaleō, meaning “to call.” It literally refers to “the called out ones.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church.

The word “Thessalonians” is transliterated (not translated, but moved directly from Greek into English) from the Greek word Thessalonikeus. The city of Thessalonica, located on the coast of Macedonia (northern Greece), was built beside a large natural harbor on the Aegean Sea. At the time of this letter it was the capital of Macedonia, located on the Via Egnatia (the main east-west highway of the Roman Empire), with a population of about 200,000 people.

Meaning Explained

Paul starts off this letter with a very short introduction, shorter than most of his letters. He indicates that it comes not just from him, but from Silvanus and Timothy as well.

Silvanus, also called Silas, was Paul’s chosen companion for his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Also, in the fifteenth chapter of Acts we find that Silas is referred to as a prophet (Acts 15:32). It is believed by some that he is also the Silvanus mentioned as the writer of Peter’s first general epistle (1Peter 5:12), but this has not been historically verified. We first encounter Silvanus (Silas) in Acts 15:22 where he was chosen by the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas in carrying an important letter to the church at Antioch. This same Silvanus was the one imprisoned with Paul in Philippi where they prayed and sang hymns together, resulting in the conversion of their jailer (Acts 16:15-34).

Timothy was also a constant companion to the Apostle Paul. His name is mentioned in all of Paul’s letters with the exception of those to the Galatians and the Ephesians. Although a younger man, the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, he had a good reputation among those who knew him (Acts 16:1, 2). After their short stay in Thessalonica, while Paul was ministering in Corinth, Timothy was the one whom he chose to return to Thessalonica to establish and comfort the church members there.

Paul’s opening message to the Thessalonian church is one of grace and peace. These two represent the source and the result of our salvation. For by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:5), and this salvation results in a peace that is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7). His desire of peace for them is especially important given the persecution and confusion that existed in the church at that time.

Application

This letter was intended to provide peace and comfort to Christians who are under attack from within and without. Let’s study it carefully to know this peace that Paul proclaims.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:24 – Eternal Joy

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Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God’s grace and His love are unfading and eternal.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis. This is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” It specifically refers to “an undeserved act of kindness causing joy or gratification, which is done without expectation of anything in return.” Here it is a specific reference to the joy that comes from knowing that God has granted salvation to those who don’t deserve it.

The word translated “Lord” is kurios, which is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.”

“Sincerity” is from aphtharsia, which is derived from aphthartos, meaning “incorruptible” or “imperishable.” When used as it is here it refers to the way in which we love our Lord. In other words, it refers to a love that does not fade away or decrease, an incorruptible love.

The word “Amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word amen, meaning “to be firm, steady, trustworthy, certainly, or completely true.” When used at the end of a statement or prayer, as it is here, it means “this is certainly the truth.”

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in yesterday’s verse, Paul is concluding this letter with a benediction, good words expressing his desire for those who read this letter. It is declared here as an implied prayer. In the previous verse he expressed his desire for all Christians to know the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:7), the love of God demonstrated by the gift of His only begotten Son (John 3:16), and saving and sanctifying faith which gets us through even the most difficult times (Ephesians 6:16).

In today’s verse he adds to these a joyous heart. Many of us have been taught in the past that “grace” means “unmerited favor.” In a sense that is true when it is referring to the gracious act that God has done for us. However, in its root meaning it really refers to the joy which is produced in our hearts as a result of God’s unmerited favor to us. We are all sinners and the penalty for our sins is death (separation from God for all eternity). For anyone who has accepted God’s gift of salvation, however, there is unspeakable joy in knowing that our sins have been forgiven. That joy can never be taken away from us, even in the face of physical death because we have a joyous hope of being in God’s presence forever.

Finally, in closing this letter Paul tells us something about the love that we Christians have for our God. This love, like our joy, not only will not cease, it will never diminish or fade.  

Application

No matter what kind of difficulty you may go through, if you are a Christian you can rest on the fact that God loves you as if you were His only child, and He has forgiven you all your sins. Paul teaches elsewhere that you can never do anything to lose that salvation because you didn’t do anything to earn it; it is God’s gracious gift. Therefore, you will never be separated from God or from His love. You may suffer heartache or pain, but you will know eternal peace and joy because of His love.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:23 – Peace, Love, and Faith

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Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

You can experience peace and the love of God through faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility.

The word “love” in this verse is our old friend agapē, referring to a self-sacrificing love demonstrated by our actions.

“Faith” is translated from the Greek word pistis. It is derived from the verb peithō, meaning “to persuade” or “to win over.” Therefore, faith refers to “a firm persuasion, conviction, or belief in a truth.”

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching and having informed his readers that Tychicus would relay to them all that has been transpiring with Paul and his associates; the Apostle now makes his final closing benediction. A benediction (from the Latin bene, meaning “well” and dicere, meaning “to speak”) was a common form of closing a letter like this. The practice may have been derived from the ritual benediction that the Jewish High Priest proclaimed:

"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."  (Numbers 6:24-26)

This particular benediction is still recited today at the end of many protestant church services. Paul’s use of the benediction, however, is not simply a ritualistic blessing. If you look carefully at this verse you will see that there are three things that Paul offers for his readers: peace, love, and faith. These are actually three themes that occur throughout this letter.

Peace (Ephesians 1:2; 2:14, 15; 2:17; 4:3; and 6:15) comes from God the Father. It is delivered in the person of Jesus Christ, who established peace between Old Testament believers and New Testament believers. Our peace with God was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and it is the bond that unites all Christians. Finally, as part of our battle armor, peace with God is that which allows us to stand firm against all the attacks of our enemy.

Love (Ephesians 1:15; 4:2, 4:15-16; 5:25, 5:28, and 5:33) is the central characteristic of the Christian faith. It is what allows us to bear one another’s burdens and to gently encourage each other so that we can work together to build up the body of Christ. It is that which a husband demonstrates to his wife, portraying a picture of God’s love for us.

Faith (Ephesians 6:16; 1:15; 2:8; 3:12, 3:17; 4:5, and 4:13) is the essence of Christianity. Without it we cannot please God. Through faith we can quench the fiery arrows slung against us by our spiritual enemy. It gives us boldness as we approach our Almighty God in prayer. And, because of this faith, Christ lives in our hearts and unites us as His body and His bride-to-be.

Application

You, too, can experience the love of God and know the peace that exceeds all understanding. However, these only come through faith in the blood of Christ. You can’t earn them, you can only accept them as part of God’s gift of salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:22 – A Personal Comforter

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whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Truth to Learn

The church needs people of comfort and encouragement.

Behind the Words

“I have sent” is translated from the Greek verb pempō, which means “to send out” or “to dispatch.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating past completed action at a point in time. It should probably be translated as “I sent,” not “I have sent.”

The words “that you may know” are translated from the verb ginōskō, which can indicate either “to come to know” or “to know completely.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating the probability or possibility of occurrence.

“Our affairs” is from ta peri hēmōn, which literally means “the things about us.” This is much like the expression Paul used in the previous verse (“the things concerning me”).

Parakaleō is the Greek verb translated “may comfort.” It is made up of para, meaning “beside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō literally means “to call alongside.” By application it means “to comfort” or “to encourage.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that Paul sent a man named Tychicus to the church in Ephesus so that the members of the church there might know how Paul was doing. It appears that Tychicus was used by Paul as a messenger. He apparently is the one who carried this letter to the church, and he also possessed in depth knowledge of what was going on with the Apostle and all those with him.

We learned with yesterday’s verse that Paul was not in the habit of talking about himself in his letters to the churches. Instead, he sent trusted messengers who could relate in detail what was happening. He knew that anything communicated regarding his welfare would produce more questions. By sending someone like Tychicus, all the people’s questions could be answered in a calm and confident manner without having to wait for another letter.

This verse also highlights once again what a tender heart Paul had toward those with whom he had ministered in the past. We know from the nineteenth chapter of the book of Acts that the Apostle spent more than two years at the church in Ephesus. This appears to be the longest length of time that he spent with any one church. During that time, he built strong personal ties with the members of that church. A large number of these people were likely led to the Lord as a direct result of Paul’s preaching ministry. For this reason, Paul wanted to make sure that his beloved friends in the church were well informed and comforted regarding what was happening to him while in a Roman prison.

Application

There are some members of every church who are specially gifted in giving words of encouragement and comfort to those around them. This is an important ministry, especially as the church and its members are coming under increasingly strong attacks. If there is someone that you know with this gift in your church, be sure to tell them thank you for using their gifts in the body of Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:21 – The Beloved Waiter

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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;

Truth to Learn

God gives recognition to those who serve humbly.

Behind the Words

The words “that you may know” are translated from the verb eidō, which technically means “to see.” However, as in English, it is used in the sense of seeing with the mind, or knowing something. It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating the possibility or probability of knowing.

“My affairs” in translated from ta kat eme, which literally means “the things concerning me.”

The word “doing” is from prassō, which refers to “something done repeatedly or continually.” It is sometimes translated as “practice,” but here it refers to the general activities of daily living.

“Beloved” is translated from agapētos. This is based on the verb agape, which refers to “a self-sacrificing love.” It is a stronger expression than phileō, meaning “brotherly love.” Paul expressed it here with the definite article, so it could be translated as “the beloved.”

“Minister” is from the Greek word diakonos. This is derived from the verb diakō, meaning “to run errands.” It is the word used to describe someone who serves others while they are eating, what we would call “a waiter.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has finished his teaching in this letter to the Christians in the church at Ephesus. He now concludes with a very brief salutation. Paul has a singularity of purpose in his letters to the various churches, that of proclaiming the doctrines of the Christian faith. He spends almost no time at all telling about himself. Instead, he suggests that his dear friends talk to Tychicus about what is happening to him.

What do we know about Tychicus? He is first mentioned in Acts 20:4 where we learn two things about him. The first is that he was from Asia (modern day Turkey) of which Ephesus was the capitol city. The second thing we learn about him is that he was faithful to the Apostle, having accompanied him during part of his travels. It is possible that he became a Christian as a result of Paul’s two year ministry in Ephesus, although we are not told that anywhere.

Another thing that we learn about this man, based on today’s verse, is that he has spent much time with Paul in the Roman prison. Because of this, he is able to tell the brothers and sisters in Ephesus all about what has been happening with Paul. The Apostle refers to Tychicus as “the beloved brother.” This indicates that not only was he a very special friend to Paul, but he was well known among the Ephesians. Finally, we learn that this man was a faithful minister; in other words, he was not hung-up on how great he was. Rather, he was a humble servant, willing to do whatever the Apostle needed him to do.

Application

Most often, those who are called out as special are those who have accomplished some great feat. Not so with Tychicus. He was special because he was a humble servant. What would your pastor say about you? Does he even know who you are?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved