Ephesians 6:21-22 21So that you also may know the things about me, what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything, 22whom I am sending to you for this very purpose, in order that you may know the things about us and he might encourage your hearts.
Paul sent this letter to Ephesus with Tychicus. He also sent a similar letter to the Colossians with Tychicus (Colossians 4:7). Second Timothy 4:12 mentions that Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus. This is a strong hint that Paul may have written this letter while imprisoned in Rome since it is likely he wrote 2 Timothy while in Rome. Tychicus seems to have been a key messenger for Paul since Paul also planned to send him to Crete in Titus 3:12. Using messengers was an important form of communication in the early church. The us of verse 22 is unclear and shows that there were some people with Paul. The letter does not list any co-authors, so who was with Paul is unknown.
Paul calls Tychicus the beloved brother, suggesting that his reputation proceeded him and that he was well-known and accepted among the churches. He had traveled with Paul at one point and so likely met many of the earliest believers (Acts 20:4). Paul also calls him a faithful minister (diakonos). He had served alongside Paul and other ministers of the gospel. We do not know much about his ministry but this passage suggests that he had the special ministry of communication. He undertook dangerous and long trips to deliver letters and communication. To be entrusted with the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians was a significant responsibility, especially if indeed Paul was in Rome at the time. His ministry would encourage the hearts of the Ephesians.
Although these verses are more personal greetings, they reveal to us significant insights about the early church that we can apply in our lives today. One is the unity and purpose shared among the earliest believers. They shared their burdens together even when they were far apart. The prayers of Paul would make a difference in Ephesus, and the prayers of the Ephesians would make a difference in Paul’s imprisonment. A second is the importance of current and reliable communication. When we hear of a need, we must respond as God leads. Finally, the connectedness of the early church, even with the long distances and little contact, should challenge us to stay connected as a global church. We have no excuse in our time to be connected to believers in just about any part of the world. Although we may not be able to be physically together or provide any physical aid, we can lift one another to God in prayer. God has the resources to help us all be his people in the mission of love.
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