Ephesians 6:21-24

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

(v21-22, NIV)

Tychicus is a brother who accompanied Paul in some of his journeys.

He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

(Acts 20:4, NIV)

There is a list here in Acts of a few people who accompanied Paul. Among this list of brothers who accompany Paul, Tychicus is one of them.

Here at the end of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is telling them that he is sending Tychicus to them. Maybe he is bringing them this very letter. Regardless, he is going to inform them and give them an update about Paul. In addition, Tychicus is to encourage them at the church in Ephesus. For them to hear about Paul and how he's doing will be of great encouragement to them. They will hear of Paul's experiences and things that he has done while he was away. I find it often encouraging hearing of the stories of brothers and sister in Christ. Those serving in humble submission to the Lord Jesus Christ often have encouraging stories about how they stood for Jesus and proclaimed his name. It's not necessarily stories about how they got rich (though it could be) or stories about how they got famous (though it could be) or even stories about how they climbed the corporate ladder (though it could be). It is simply a true devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and whatever comes from that that brings glory to his name. Hearing about things like these is quite encouraging.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

(Philippians 1:21, NIV)

Those who have given their life for Christ know that they win either way. They live in fruitful labor for the only one who is worthy. In addition, they know that if they were to even lose their life, they only have heaven to look forward to. How awesome is that?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13, NIV)

In addition, those who work for the Father have faith in the strengthening that God gives. This verse is in context of Paul being content in whatever circumstances he is in. Even if he is need or in poverty or even at the brink of death, he can face and endure and carry on through those circumstances through him who gives the strength. How awesome is that?

Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

(v23-24, NIV)

Paul finishes with this benediction to those at the church in Ephesus.