Ephesians 6:21-22

6:21

Tychicus, the dear brother – intimate relations within fellowship of believers

and – 2 descriptives of Tychicus

faithful – reliable, steady, through thick or thin, keep my word, dependable

servant – no need to be in charge, see to the needs of others

of the Lord – belonging to Jesus Christ the Boss; so basically, I am to heed the instructions of Jesus, and His word in the gospels tells me to serve the needs of others.

will tell you everything – fill in the gaps, inform recipients what was happening in Paul’s situation

so that – purpose

you also may know – awareness leads to more informed and therefore more effective prayer

how I am – physically, emotionally, spiritually

and what I am doing – in prison, witnessing, receiving visitors, writing other letters, encouraging other church groups. This all links back to Paul’s command/request in v 19 to pray for him. Application: I need more people to pray for me more often and more fervently. In order for them to pray effectively, I need to communicate clearly and fully.

6:22

I am sending him to you – today I don’t need a Tychicus to relay my prayer requests orally. I have so many other electronic means of doing this. But I need to communicate those needs all the same.

for this very purpose – to accomplish this goal

that you may know how we are – They cared for Paul and with little information fears could grow. But a reliable report from an eyewitness could dispel those fears and turn the fears into prayers.

and that he may encourage you – Update on Paul would encourage, lift their spirits and embolden them in their own witness opportunities. Plus, perhaps Tychicus’s primary gift was encouragement: lift the hopes, point to practical steps of action and solution, and spur into positive activity.