Paul names Tychicus as his authorized and trusted ambassador (v.21). He will bring these churches not only this letter but also news of what Paul, and those with him (“we” in v.22) are doing. This implies that Paul and his cohort are doing God’s work even though, or perhaps because, he is imprisoned. Tychicus’ news will reinforce Paul’s earlier reflections that his current situation in no way hinders his apostolic work or the progress of God’s kingdom.
This news of Paul’s activity will “encourage” the Ephesians’ hearts (v.22). Specifically, it will incline them to take seriously all of what Paul has said and take up their calling to be God’s subversive counter-revolutionary movement.
In v.23 and 24 Paul sums up his letter in a benedictory sentence. Paul blesses
“the whole community” (focus of the letter),
with “peace,” a key term in Ephesians for God’s ultimate end as well as the way to that end, the new creation and that by and for which his subversive counter-revolutionary movement strives,
along with “faith and love” (the great gifts that draw and keep God and his people in relationship),
all of which come from “God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Grace,” the name for God’s power which has won the decisive victories, God’s “skins on the wall,”
to those irrevocably and unconditionally committed to Jesus Christ with a “love” evoked by God’s grace.
And that, friends, is about as good a two sentence summary of Ephesians as we are likely to get. And it is a wonderful way to end this magnificent letter!
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