The Final Words We All Need

Ephesians is a book of profound themes. Someone has even called it the crown of Paul’s writings. Here, the Church is revealed and explained: Jews and Gentiles would be joined together as one in Christ, a mystery previously hidden in God’s heart.

In Ephesians, we learn that believers are given every “spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” and that through Him we have “boldness and confident access” to God. Themes of redemption, adoption, and inheritance are found here, along with this precious phrase, “by grace you have been saved through faith.”

But Paul is also a practical man. As in most of his other letters, Paul begins by teaching the deep things of God, then naturally leads into instruction on how to live. “Walk in love,” Paul says, “just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us” (Eph 5:2).

He implores believers to model humility, gentleness, and patience, while putting away unwholesome speech, bitterness, and anger. Beyond doctrine and practice, Ephesians also reveals Paul’s heart.

Paul’s Genuine Love

Doubtlessly, the Ephesians received this letter with joy. Their hearts would have been thrilled by the new revelation of God’s program. They would have been challenged by Paul’s call to live holy lives.

But one thing is missing from the letter as far as the Ephesians were concerned. They wanted to hear about the well-being of Paul, their beloved friend. Paul knew their heartache, which is why he wrote: “I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf.”

In writing his letter, he included everything the Ephesians needed for doctrine and practice, but he didn’t stop there. That alone wouldn’t have been enough to encourage his friends, so he made another arrangement: “But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you” (Eph 6:21).

What genuine care for his friends! Having spent three years with them in Ephesus, the believers there had developed a strong affection for Paul. Clearly, he also loved them. Paul, the orator, the intellectual, the Pharisee, is known for his argumentation and logic.

But rivalling this aspect of his character is a heart that breaks for the lost and weeps for believers in pain. It is Paul who would wish himself separated from Christ if it meant the salvation of his countrymen (Romans 9:3). When his friends shed tears at his troubles, Paul responds, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart” (Acts 21:13)?

Peace, Love, Faith, Grace

It is possible Ephesians was the last communication those believers received from Paul. So what parting words does he have for his beloved friends? He has taught them and exhorted them, and now he turns to blessing: “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love” (Eph 6:23-24).

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). The world does not know peace. Neither does it have love, faith, or grace. These instead all find their source in “God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

My three-year-old daughter understands peace. Whenever uncertainty comes up, or we express worry or fear, her sweet voice can be heard saying, “We don’t have to be afraid because God is in our hearts.” How much her child’s mind understands such things, I don’t know. I suspect her trust in God is purer and simpler than mine, which is often tangled in my own reasonings. Whatever the case, her theology is sound.

Ephesians 3:17 tells us that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” There can be no greater peace than what the Lord brings, “for He Himself is our peace” (Eph 2:14). In Christ is peace and love and grace, all in Him and accessible by faith. Paul had struggles and hardships far beyond anything I’ve experienced, and yet he thought of the Ephesians.

Paul's final words were not instructions, but blessings. Not commands, but grace. And these blessings are not only for the Ephesians but for all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. They are for us.

Every week brings its share of uncertainty, anxiety, and testing both to us and those we love. Whatever this week brings, peace, love, faith, and grace are ours “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”