Lesson 17 – Benediction (Ephesians 6:21-24)
The language of peace, grace, and faith connects the benediction of Ephesians with its salutation. These are dominant topics in Ephesians: the peace the cross as effected through overcoming hostility in the world, the grace God gave to humanity in Jesus the Messiah, and the faith the people of God have in God’s work through the Messiah. God is the resource of peace and grace, which is enjoyed through faith. The benediction adds an emphasis on love. Paul sends peace and love to his readers, and blesses them with eternal grace from the Father for those who love the Messiah.
The salutation and benediction bookend the letter with the themes in which the letter has been immersed. God is the source of all grace and peace through the Messiah, and people respond to this blessing through faith and love.
A key problem in translation comes with the last word of the letter: immortality or incorruptibility (ἀφθαρσίᾳ). Is it the love that is incorruptible or undying (ESV, RSV, NIV, NASB20) or sincere (KJV, NKJV), or is it Jesus who is immortal, or are we who are graced with immortality (NLT). I tend to think the latter, that is, God graces us with an eternal life in Christ Jesus (cf. Arnold’s commentary).
The closing of the letter also identifies the carrier of the letter, perhaps even Paul’s secretary or amanuensis. Two elements are particularly significant: his character and his function.
In terms of character, he is described in the same way that Paul describes his intended audience in Ephesians 1:2 — “faithful in” (πιστὸς
ἐν) in the Lord or Jesus the Messiah. Paul holds him in high esteem: beloved brother (ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς), just as Paul blesses his readers with love (ἀγάπη), and faithful (πιστὸς) minister or servant (διάκονος).
His function is two-fold: information and encouragement. The readers may have been concerned about Paul’s imprisonment and how his mission was progressing (or not). Tychicus will provide that information. But also he will be able to explain everything so that the readers are encouraged. The bearers of letters in the ancient world were often also the original readers of the letter to the addressees, interpreted the letter, and answered questions about the letter and its author. Paul sends a beloved brother to serve in this capacity, though he would probably not be available to interpret and answer questions for every reading if the letter is intended as a circular one. We might imagine that he would present the letter to every house church in Ephesus, or perhaps copied for every house church. But we are speculating.
We do know that Paul send the letter to Colossae through Tychicu in addition to this one (Colossians 4:7-8).
The letter to the Ephesians has grounded their identity in the Jewish Messiah because God has rescued/blessed Israel through the Messiah by the power of the Spirit. The gentiles are also included in this blessing, and they are now members of the same body with Israel, the new human Jesus the Messiah. Because of this new humanity grounded in God’s saving act, readers are invited to walk worthy of their calling, status, and relationship. Consequently, they live in peace, patience, kindness, and forgiveness with each other through mutual submission. Living as such a community, they are equipped with God’s gifts and armor to partner with God in the battle against the cosmic forces of evil!