Ephesians 6:21

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 6:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Ephesians 6:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But that ye also may know my affairs, [and] how I do, &c.] Both his temporal and spiritual affairs; as that he was in bonds, and how he was supported under them, and of what use they were to others; how that he preached in his own hired house, and with what success; and what ministering brethren he had with him to assist him; and in what condition was the church at Rome where he now was: the apostle's life and actions would bear the light, and what he did was worthy of imitation, and must be both delightful and useful to know; and the account he sends, by a messenger hereafter named, of whom he gives the following character, that credit might be the more readily given to his relation:…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“that ye also--as I have been discussing things relating to you, so that ye also may know about me (compare Col 4:7-8). NEANDER takes it, "Ye also," as well as the Colossians (Col 4:6). my affairs--Greek, "the things concerning me." how I do--how I fare. Tychicus--an Asiatic, and so a fit messenger bearing the respective Epistles to Ephesus and Colosse (Act 20:4; Ti2 4:12). a beloved brother--Greek, "the beloved brother"; the same epithet as in Col 4:7. minister--that is, servant. in the Lord--in the Lord's work.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But that ye also may know my affairs - May understand my condition, my feelings, and in what I am engaged. To them it could not but be a subject of deep interest. And how I do - Greek, “What I do; that is how I am employed. Tychicus - Tychicus was of the province of Asia, in Asia Minor, of which Ephesus was the capital; see Acts 20:4. It is not improbable that he was of Ephesus, and that he was well known to the church there. He also carried the letter to the Colossians Colossians 4:7, and probably the Second Epistle to Timothy; 2 Timothy 4:12. Paul also proposed to send him to Crete to succeed Titus; Titus 3:12. He was high in the confidence of: Paul, but it is not known when he was…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ye also - As well as others. Ephesians 6:22”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:21-24 Paul closes with some personal words and a benediction that repeats the desires expressed at the beginning of the letter.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Phi 1:12; Col 4:7 Tychicus: Act 20:4; Ti2 4:12; Tit 3:12 beloved: Col 4:9; Plm 1:16; Pe2 3:15 faithful: Co1 4:17; Col 1:7; Ti1 4:6; Pe1 5:12 Ephesians 6:22”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification