Personal Notes from the Rabbi
6: 19-23
Personal notes from the rabbi REFLECT: Do those around you feel encouraged and built up as you come into contact with them? What have you learned from this book that has affected you the most? What will you do differently as a result of this commentary?
The prayers of the Ephesians,
were effective in strengthening Sha’ul for his work as an ambassador for Messiah.
And pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel (6:19). The conjunction “and” connects what follows to the previous comments. All believers encounter spiritual battles in this fallen world; even Rabbi Sha’ul was not exempt. In fact, he probably realized that he even experienced more of that battle because of his extremely important ministry. The apostle was a man of prayer and humbly requested prayer on his behalf and the behalf of others. It is a beautiful gesture illustrating the close connection between this Rabbi and his readers.
Prayer in itself is a gesture of humility as we call out to ADONAI for assistance in things that are far beyond our control. The specific prayer of the apostle was for fearlessness in making known the mystery of the Good News. It was still a secret in most of the Jewish community. It would take a special fearlessness for him to speak up in the diverse communities where he was being sent. Rejection and physical danger were always present. Therefore, he asked for prayer, and so should we!
For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should (6:20). Before Sha’ul could fulfill his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8), he needed to be released from the Roman prison. The description of him in prison reminds us of the great paradox that he faced as a representative of Messiah. He was an ambassador, a person with authority to serve in another country. Normally such an ambassador would receive honor, respect and even protection from his or her host nation. Not so with Sha’ul. Even though he was an ambassador for the Kingdom of Yeshua, he was not received with open arms in most places. How ironic . . . an ambassador sitting in a prison cell! Yet the Rabbi exuded confidence that ADONAI still wanted to use him despite (or maybe because of) his terrible situation.
We know from other letters that Sha’ul was often chained directly to some of his Roman prison guards. This could have been depressing for him, but God reached his “captive audience” through this unusual situation. Evidently, many became followers of Yeshua while watching the renegade Rabbi (Phil 1:12-13 and 4:22). The prayers of the Ephesians were effective in strengthening Sha’ul for his work as an ambassador for Messiah.
Tychicus will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing (6:21). The Rabbi mentions his personal assistant in ministry since Sha’ul was sitting in a Roman prison. Tychicus was a believer from Asia Minor who accompanied Sha’ul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). The apostle sent him to Ephesus with his letter (Second Timothy 4:12), and the letter to Colossae (Colossians 4:7) and perhaps to Titus at Crete (Titus 3:12). Sha’ul showed his high regard for that dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. Ephesians includes the truth that all believers have a vital role in the Body of Messiah (to see link click Bf – The Gifts of Messiah to His Church). Tychicus is a great example of one who faithfully used his personal gifts for the benefit of Messiah’s Kingdom. He may not have been a teacher, but he was a faithful assistant and thus advanced the Kingdom of God.
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may comfort and encourage you (6:22). Just as Sha’ul was a shaliach (a legal representative) sent by Yeshua, Tychicus was a shaliach sent by Sha’ul. Not only did he faithfully perform his mission of carrying this letter to the Messianic communities of Asia Minor, he also carried personal news as well. It lifted the spirits of the believers to hear that, although their Rabbi was in prison, he was doing well. Perhaps this verse is an indication of the spiritual gift of Tychicus as he was said to be an encourager (Acts 11:23-24, 14:21-22, 15:32). The Greek word parakaleo, literally means to be called alongside. Such a person not only feels for others but walks next to them in their time of need. What most people need today is some comfort and encouragement, much like that brought by this brother Tychicus.
In typical rabbinic fashion, Sha’ul closes his letter with a blessing containing similar themes with which he started (see Ak – The Greeting). Shalom to the brothers and sisters (Greek: adelphoi, the context being believers), and love with faith from God the Father and the Yeshua Messiah (6:23a). Shalom is peace, but much more. In Greek philosophy, peace is the absence of conflict. In Judaism, shalom also implies health, blessing and true happiness. Certainly the believers of Ephesus would gladly receive this benediction from their Rabbi. The apostle also prayed that ADONAI would give them love with faith. Sha’ul had already described the love of God and how it ultimately fulfills all the Torah (see Be – Walking Together in Unity). Once again the writer uses the unique Greek word agape to describe the unselfish love of God. This is why he recognizes that these qualities can only be given as a gift from God through faith in Yeshua Messiah (2:8-9). Grace be to all who love our Lord Yeshua Messiah with undying love (6:23b). Grace is also referenced in the closing blessing. The Rabbi’s final word to them is that they would never forget the free gift of God and His undying love for His children. Reading this blessing given to the Ephesians, we cannot help but be greatly encouraged in our walk with the Messiah!
So ends the letter of Rabbi Sha’ul to his friends in the city of Ephesus. It is a great overview of the many spiritual blessings found in Messiah. The letter is also filled with practical and challenging encouragement on how to apply these truths to our everyday lives. The Ephesian congregation was a diverse group of Jews and Gentiles, united together in Messiah. They experienced many blessings in their own lives and definitely had an impact on the first century world in which they lived. But the Rabbi was not just writing to them. What is Paul saying to us? Through our studies of this letter, may we have a fresh appreciation for all that the God of Isra’el has done for all people; Jews, Messianic Jews, Christians, seekers or skeptics. May there be a renewed blessing on our families, our congregations, and our communities. May we also have a dramatic effect on the world through Yeshua, our Redeemer and King.270 Amen
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for blessing me in Messiah with every spiritual blessing. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Messiah (Ephesians 1:3). Thank You for adopting me as Your child, redeeming me by Your blood, and sealing me with Your Ruach Ha’Kodesh. After you heard the message of truth – the Good News of your salvation – and when you put your trust in Him, you were sealed with the promised Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Ephesians 1:13). How great to know that my inheritance is secured by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh. No enemy is big enough to keep me from living with You in heaven for all eternity. The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of His possession – to His glorious praise! (Ephesians 1:14). It is a comfort in this world with so many wrongs and problems that You are our great and loving Shepherd, who is Almighty and knows everything including the future. I am always totally secure in You! My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life! They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand (John 10:27-28). Thank You so much for giving me every spiritual blessing in Messiah and for keeping me safe in Your hand. Praise You, for in Your gracious thoughtfulness You have equipped me with the weapons I need to fight any battle and be victorious (Ephesians 6:10-18). You are a wonderful Heavenly Father! I can’t wait until I can live with You and praise You throughout all eternity! In Messiah’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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