Studies in Ephesians

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 24, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 25.

Studies in Ephesians

Watchfulness and Prayer

Chapter 6, Verses 18-24, A.R.V.

Questioning the Text

1. In addition to the armor of God, what is the Christian always to remember?

“With all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Verse 18. Note 1.

2. What does the apostle plead for on his own behalf?

“And on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” Verse 19. Note 2.

3. What does he declare himself to be?

“For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Verse 20. Note 3.

4. How does he come into confidential relation with them?

“But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.” Verses 21, 22. Note 4.

5. With what message of peace does he conclude?

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Verse 23. Note 5.

6. What benediction does he pronounce on them?

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible.” Verse 24. Note 6.

Note and Comment

1. “With all prayer.”—How frequently does God impress upon us the fact that we can do nothing without Him! There must be prayer—prayer at all times. A Christian should live ever in the spirit of prayer, praying “at all seasons in the Spirit.” This would indicate not always audibly, but with heart lifted to God even in the humdrum every-day work which He has called one to do. Not only praying, but watching “with all perseverance.” He must look on every side for danger as well as for victory. He is not only to forget himself, but he is to pray for all the saints. The life must be an unselfish one.

2. “On my behalf.”—The apostle longed for and deserved the sympathy of his brethren. Note, however, that, prisoner tho he is, his chief desire is not that he may be blessed, or that temporary ease or prosperity may come to him, but that as he preaches the gospel, he may preach it boldly, as God would have him. So God’s ministers should receive the prayers of His children everywhere.

3. “In chains.”—Once again he refers to the fact that he is a prisoner. He does not call it that at this time, but he tells us that he is in chains, or, literally, in a chain. He was bound by the chain to the Roman soldier who watched at his side, but even thus, when examined before the emperor, or in conversation with those that came to see him, he wanted grace from God and prayers that he might speak boldly as he ought to speak.

4. “Tychicus.”—We first learn of Tychicus in the twentieth chapter of Acts and the fourth verse. When Paul was on his last missionary journey, there accompanied him, among others from Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. He was one who was willing to risk something and go with the apostle Paul. Paul calls him a beloved brother and a faithful minister. He knew that the hearts of the brethren would be anxious regarding himself, and so he sends Tychicus, that they might know his state, and that he might comfort and establish their hearts.

5. “Peace.”—We come to the close of this wonderful epistle. It has been very briefly and very imperfectly set forth; but we trust that to our readers, to those who have followed these notes and suggestions, there have come some crumbs of comfort from God’s wonderful table, that they have gathered some jewels of truth for the casket that shall endure to all eternity, that they have built some moral fiber which shall stand for God in the world’s great struggle. Let them be consoled, as they come to the close of the book, that the peace pronounced is to them—peace and love with faith. God is still the God of peace, and the Lord Jesus Christ is still the One through whom it is administered. The only true faith is the faith which works by love; the only true love is that which issues in faithful obedience. And upon such will the abounding grace of God be bestowed, and it is such only that love Jesus Christ with a love which is incorruptible.

6. “Grace.”—It is God’s wonderful grace, His to us undeserved favor, in the beginning, in the end; it is the riches of His grace all the way; it will be the fruits of “the exceeding riches of His grace” and glory to all eternity.