Ephesians 6:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He does not say this simply, but after first saying, "having put on" and "having girded." This is precisely the sign of constant and uninterrupted readiness for departure to battle. Hear what the prophet says: "Let it be to him like a garment with which he clothes himself, and like a belt with which he always girds himself" (Ps 108:19). The prophet says that God Himself put on the breastplate of righteousness. By this he shows that we must clothe ourselves in it not for a short time, but forever, since our need for war is constant. Another says elsewhere: "The righteous is bold as a lion" (Prov 28:1). Whoever is clothed in such a breastplate has nothing to fear from enemy armies. On the contrary, he can boldly enter into the very midst of the enemies.

Saint John Chrysostom says this: “that you may learn about us,” that is, that he may tell you what is happening with me and not allow you to grow despondent over me, since I am in afflictions and bear chains. This points to love both on his part toward them, and on their part toward him.

Behold, I have sent Tychicus, so that he may tell you about us and bring us news about you. He is also to comfort your hearts in the sorrow that weighs upon you. He will do this by telling you of the strength and exultation through which we rejoice in our tribulations.

This place should be understood in a twofold sense. Either Tychicus was sent so that he might announce to them that the Apostle's bonds had become known throughout the whole praetorium, and that his bonds had served the faith of the Gospel. Or perhaps Tychicus was sent to tell them about the Apostle's life and circumstances, which they did not know. He would transmit, as it were, a living pattern to those who were learning the Apostle's deeds and virtues and desired to imitate him. "But that you also may know what is happening around me and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you.

Through Tychicus the Ephesians will learn how matters stand with the Apostle. He also will receive news about the affairs of the Ephesians. There could be no doubt about the Apostle’s deeds, for his works are God’s. Yet they wanted to know how he was acting among unbelievers, and about their wiles. Paul wanted to learn from the Ephesians whether they were advancing in the faith or not. So that they might gladly attend to Tychicus and listen to him, Paul calls him a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.

Tychicus was from Asia. Blessed Luke also informs us of this in Acts. After naming those who accompanied Paul from Thessalonica and Beroea, he added, “And the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus” (Acts 20:4).

This means: a minister not to me, but in the Lord, a minister of the gospel and the mystery. Paul says: I have sent Tychicus to you not for his own sake, but for yours. For I care for you and want you to know everything.

At the conclusion of his epistle, the Apostle first asks for prayers for himself, “that a word may be given to him, that he may openly and boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Second. He speaks of the embassy of Tychicus to the Ephesians, so that he may tell them “about his circumstances and deeds,” and thereby comfort their hearts. Finally, he sends peace, love, and grace to the brethren, with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ unwaveringly.

After speaking of prayer as one of the means for struggling against the enemies of salvation, the Apostle asks them to pray also for him. To this he adds what he finds possible to communicate about himself, while entrusting Tychicus to tell everything in detail. The epistle itself was sent with Tychicus. The Apostle certainly prayed himself, but he knew how great the power of the prayer of the whole Church is. Therefore he asked for it for the common good, that he might be freed from bonds. So also the holy Apostle Peter was freed from prison by common prayer (Acts 12). According to His Grace Theophan: "St. Paul could not fail to suppose that news of his imprisonment had reached the Ephesians. From this circumstance they themselves could imagine many things.

Then, by recommending his authorized representative Tychicus, and by a blessing especially for those who cherish an incorruptible (έν αφθαρσία) love for Christ, the Apostle concludes his epistle (vv. 21-24).

"For this very thing." Therefore there were no other purposes. This refers to the sending of Tychicus, not to the writing of the epistle. With regard to the epistle, one may only infer from this that there were no special motives for writing it either. There was one desire: to show them his love and to renew in their memory the whole divine economy of salvation. By writing the epistle and by sending Tychicus, the Apostle wanted only to show his fatherly love and his desire for communion. St. Paul could not fail to suppose that news of his imprisonment had reached them. From this circumstance they themselves could imagine many things. Even more could be said by ill-wishers of both the holy Apostle and the Gospel itself.