As Paul continues to close this great Epistle, we are given an even deeper glimpse into his great character, as we read in Ephesians 6:21-22:
the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known
to you.
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and
that he may comfort your hearts.
What were Paul’s circumstances? And how was he doing in his circumstances? As stated, he was in prison—his execution was likely. In spite of this, instead of asking for desperate prayer or other help, he was more concerned for the Ephesian believers, that they would not be discouraged. So he sends his faithful friend Tychicus to encourage them. It seems that if anyone needed encouragement, it would have been Paul! Certainly he was the one who needed the company and encouragement of his beloved fellow minister. However, Paul was always much more concerned for the Lord’s children, and seemed oblivious to his own needs.
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul gives us an insight into his remarkable devotion that will forever make him one of the great examples of a faithful minister of the gospel:
circumstances I am.
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in
prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being
filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
He certainly proved that he lived this way by his words from prison. He saw every trial as an opportunity to see His Lord do wonders. When He did not do a miracle for him, he resolved that the Lord wanted him to grow in faith and patience—so he cheerfully embraced every condition that he was put in. As he wrote in I Timothy 6:8-12 to one of his favorite sons in the Lord:
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish
and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called,
and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Those who learn to live by this uncommon devotion to the Lord will likewise accomplish much on this earth for the kingdom, and will for eternity be among the most esteemed in the household of the King.