 |  |
complex happenings of everyday are part and parcel of His purpose. If the everyday
affairs of everyone are outside the scope of prayer, what is there left of human affairs as
part of God's purpose? For our own part we want to be more simple, more like child and
parent when we pray.
This watchful and prayerful spirit which the Apostle enjoins was not to be spent upon
self. It was "for all saints". If one member suffer, all suffer. It is true unselfishness to
pray for the rest of the Body the church, for our own individual peace and blessing is
largely connected with the blessing of the whole. Is there in all the epistles of the N.T. a
more beautiful exhibition of unconscious modesty and humility than the words that
follow, "and for me". It is Paul that speaks. Paul, to whom the dispensation of the
Mystery had been granted. Paul, who had been caught away to the third heaven. It is
such a one that says "and for me". There is a precious mingling of the homely and the
sublime in this concluding passage.
Eph. 6: 18 - 24.
A | Prayer. For all the saints (panton ton hagion).
/ a1 | Utterance.
/
b1 | Boldness.
B | Paul. Prayer for
/
c1 | Make known.
\
c1 | Ambassador.
\
b1 | Boldly.
\ a1 | Speak.
/ a2 | My affairs.
/
b2 | Tychicus.
B | Paul. Affairs for
/
c2 | Shall make known.
\
b2 | Whom I have sent.
\
c2 | Ye might know.
\ a2 | Our affairs.
A | Benediction. All who love (panton ton agaponton).
What is Ministry?
There is an intimate connection between the ministry for which Paul asks prayer, and
his "affairs" which he makes known through Tychicus. We are apt to limit our
conception of ministry too closely to the actual work of speaking or writing. Were not
Paul's private affairs a part of his ministry? Had not his "prospects" been ruined for the
truth's sake? When he sometimes laboured with his hands to provide the necessary things
of life could he not render that humble service "as unto the Lord"?
When the
Philippians sent once and again unto his necessities did they feel any need to distinguish
between the sacred and the secular? Was it not at the same time "fellowship in the
gospel"? (Phil. 1: 5; 4: 15, 16). Ministry is simply service, and this includes the whole
manner of life, for often the demands of the ministry rendered seriously, deflect the
whole current of daily affairs. So it is that Paul could link together the high ministry of
the mystery and "how I do" without any feeling of incongruity.