Further Paul says with all kinds of prayer and supplication which means we must pray in our family prayer, in the social meeting, in the assembly and also pray when we are specially tempted. Pray in all times and in all seasons ( Matt.6:6). Make prayer of supplication, prayer of intercession for others. This is a sure shot in believer’s life to prevail upon each and every temptation and in spiritual warfare. “And Satan trembles when he sees the meanest saint upon his knees.”
Paul’s request for prayer.(6:19-20):
Paul was undeterred by his imprisonment. He didn’t ask Ephesians to pray for his release from the prison. His request was that he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ in all circumstances and even in the prison. It is a great lesson for all of us that many times we ask God for better conditions, comfort and convenience or changing the circumstances so as to involve in His work. We must understand that God knows our situation and He knows the best for us. In whatever situation we are in, we must continue our steadfast work of preaching and be faithful to God.
Tychicus: (6:21-22)
Tychicus was from the province of Asia, in Asia Minor and Ephesus was its capital (Acts 20:4). He was from Ephesus, was well known to the church there. He also carried the letter to the Colossians (Col. 4:7) , and probably the second epistle to Timothy (2 Tim.4:12). Paul also proposed to send him to Crete to succeed Titus (Titus 3:12). We do not know when he was converted, or why he was now at Rome. The Greeks speak of him as one of the seventy disciples, and make him bishop of Colophon, in the province of Asia.
Paul sends him in order to tell his welfare. Now Paul a prisoner at Rome he does not know when he would be released. Paul felt it proper to despatch a special messenger to give information about his condition; to state what was doing in Rome and to ask the prayers of the churches. The same message was again expressed in the epistle to the Colossians, (Col.4:7,8).
Final greetings: (6:23-24):
The letter is closed with the usual salutations. The expression, “peace to brothers” was the common form of salutation in the East, (Matt.10:13; Lk 24:36) in Hebrew it is Shalom. Paul is stressing that the Church members must live in peace regardless of their backgrounds, sex, nationality or social rank. It is a great to be a part of the family of God! Bible does not speak of an isolated believer. Christians are like sheep; they flock together. The church is an army and the soldiers need to stand together and fight together. The united love and faith we can only get through the Lord Jesus Christ and remain as a force to reckon in all matters of persecution and tribulations.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise.
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions, suggestions, opinions and criticism, please contact me. Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com