Closing a Letter to Christians

“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” (Ephesians 6:23-24, NIV) [Read Ephesians 6:19-24]

As we have seen, Paul dealt with some serious Christian development issues in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus (and to us). Both in the salutation and in the closure, Paul urged peace and for faith to abound. In chapters 1, 2 and 3, all the subjects Paul touched upon dealt with the general thesis of the great potential Christians have if they abide in Christ and follow His precepts. In chapters 4, 5 and 6 Paul advocated practicing faith through unity, exercising gifts, living a separated life, family relationships, job responsibilities, and Christian warfare (the well-armed Christian). In closing his letter Paul has a special request: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19, NIV). Prayer lists and prayer requests are important. Much hinges on our faithfulness in praying. I’m sure you, as I, receive prayer requests daily. It is well that we stop at the point we are reminded of the need for specific prayer and pray right then for the request. Pray sincerely—and believing—as you lay the request on the altar. Paul believed so strongly in the power of prayer that he set the example for us in requesting prayer. We as Christians should take the responsibility for intercessory prayer seriously. We need to pray for one another, regularly and specifically. “Let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6b). Never underestimate the importance of a prayer ministry in your church. Pray!

Paul sent the letter to the Ephesians by one of his fellow helpers, Tychicus. His name means “fortunate.” A native of Asia Minor, we learn that he traveled with Paul on his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:4). Tychicus and Onesimus both took Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse (see Colossians 4:7-9). There is evidence that Paul also sent Tychicus to Ephesus (Eph. 6:21 and 2 Timothy 4:12) and to Crete (Titus 3:12). Paul trusted Tychicus to bear news and to encourage the church. Tradition holds that Tychicus was martyred for his faith. In that day when letters had to be taken over dangerous territory by one sent from the letter writer, Tychicus was found faithful in his assignment. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was invaluable to the church’s Christian growth and development. Do you minister through the letters and e-mails you write? How do you close a letter? Do your words reflect your firm belief in the Lord and your dependence on Him? Letters can be a witness of one’s faith.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Sunday, June 27, 2010