Ephesians 6:18–24 (NKJV)
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
St. Paul asks the saints to pray for him—even as he serves others. And then he sends word of his activities so that they may learn and rejoice in God working through him. Why would St. Paul be moved to extend such a request and such words to other Christians? Because Fellowship matters! It’s simply part of the character of our Lord’s Church, which is the very Body of Christ Jesus at work in this world. It is truly sad when individuals take on a more individualistic mindset when thinking of the Church. Even congregations can get this mindset. Participation, tithing and other areas get affected because faith is being affected.
Communication between Christians is part of the public confession that Christ commands and accomplishes through His Body. Some folks think fellowship is a social gathering (i.e. potlucks or events outside of worship). But the proper fellowship of Christ’s Church is our catholic unity in what we teach, confess, and do by His Spirit according to all that our Lord has commanded in His Word, to the glory of Christ crucified.
The catholic (universal) Church is a Body of people connected in many places, and throughout many ages. As St. Paul reveals in this text (and it’s revealed in many other places throughout holy Scripture) it’s “in the Spirit” through which these spiritual things get accomplished. Therefore, when we boast, we all the more confidently ever boast in the Lord.
Let us pray: Almighty and Everlasting God, who is always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than we either desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things that we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
