The Pulpit Commentary — Ephesians — Section 292

properly and successfully to pre11ch the g°!!pel. "That I may opan my mouth boldly, to make kn?wn the mystery of the ~os~l, that ~ the gospel that was once a mystery. :he preachm~ of the gospel ~ Gods grand instrument for restoring the world t-0 mtelhgence, d1gmty, and happiness, and because of that, he desired to do it in the most effective way. There are several remarkable things in these words. (1) Paul was an ambassador from heaven-God's messenger sent to proclaim restoration to fost humanity. The grandest commission this. (2) God's ambassado1· from heaven in bonds. Wonderful that the great King, whose word could have shivered Rome into atoms should have allowed his ambassador to have been in chains. But so it is; and we ;hall have an explanation ere long. (3) God's ambassador from heaven in bonds, losing all idea of his own pers()'ff(i/, sufferings, in the desire to help his race. Though a prisoner at Rome he was permitted to preach (Act.<! xxviii. 30, 31). And as a prisoner he wanted t~ discharge that high mission in the most effective way. For that he prays. A true gospel minist.er has a right to ask the prayers of Christians for him particularly. Like a general in the army, he has the most responsible position, the most arduous task. Failure in him may tum the tide of battle in favour of the foe. Prayer, then, is a necessary qnali.6.cation of spiritual soldiership. The victory cannot be won without it. "Restraining prayer, we cease t.o fight: Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright : And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint npon his knees." Even the great Commander of all the legions of the good recognized the mighty power of prayer during his struggles on this e.arth. "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" As if he had i-aid, "With one breath of prayer I could bring the mighty battalions of eternity to my aid."-D. 'l'. Vers. 21-24.-Types of tra,nscendent 11irluea. "But that ye also may know," etc. In these verses we Lave three types of transcendent virtues-a type of elevated friend- ship, a type of spiritual benevolence, and a type of Christian catholicity. L .A TYPE OF ELEVATED FRIENDSHIP. Pan! here does two things which show the purity and the worth of his friendship. 1. Introduces a noble man to his friends, Some are very anxions to keep their friends to themselves, and, if possible, to monopolize thcir thoughts and their hearts; and some, if they introduce a friend at all, only those of an inferior type. Paul introduces Tychicus, "a beloved brother and faithful minister." Yon cannot confer a greater benefit on your friends than to commend to their confidence a noble man; the gift of such a man to them is more valuable than lordly estates or mighty kingdoms. 2. He introd'IJeU a noble man to their friendship entirely for their own advantage. There are those who introduce men to their friends fur the sake of getting something fur them; bnt not so in this case. Paul does not ask them to do anything for Tychicus ; nor does he ask them to send back through Tychicus any favour to hiru. He sends 'l'ychicus in order to serve them in two ways. (1) To satisfy their anxieties as friends. They would naturally be anxious to know something concerniog the "affairs" of the man who lived and laboured in their city for three years, and arormd whose neck their fathers fell in tears when he bade them adieu. They would like to know how this their father in Christ fared now a prisoner ill Rome. To satisfy the natural craving of their hearts, he now sends Tychicus; he would tell them alL I should like to have seen Tychicus deliver this letter, and to have heard the thousand cager questions. (2) 'l'o promote their happiness as Christians. " And that he might comfort your hearts." Paul knew well the trials to which the Church at Ephe51ll! was exposed, both from Jews and pagans. He knew they wanted comfort. The letter he sent abounded with comforting thoughts, and he knew that a loving brother like Tychicus would skilfully and efficaciously apply the healing balm. Here is- Il. A TYPE OP SPIRITUAL BENEVOLENCE. Panl'e heart goes out in well-wishing. Ar,d what did be wish for his brethren at Ephesus? No secondary favours, but the highest t1"'1'sings fr,,m God the Father and hie blessed Son. 1. Divine peace. "Peace bt tc, tle brethren." Mark where the peace comes from-" From God the Father and OH, VI, 1-24.] THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. 293