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