Ephesians 3:13

KJV

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} I desire {G154} that ye faint {G1573} not {G3361} at {G1722} my {G3450} tribulations {G2347} for {G5228} you {G5216}, which {G3748} is {G2076} your {G5216} glory {G1391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I ask you not to be discouraged by the troubles I endure on your behalf — it is all for your glory.

Berean Standard Bible

So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, writing from imprisonment, earnestly implores the Ephesian believers not to lose heart or succumb to discouragement because of his personal sufferings. He profoundly reinterprets his tribulations, asserting that these hardships, far from being a sign of God's disapproval or a weakness in the Gospel, are in fact for their benefit and contribute to their spiritual honor and standing in Christ, serving as a powerful validation of their inclusion in God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition within [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians Chapter 3 - The Mystery Revealed"). Paul has just unveiled the profound "mystery of Christ," specifically that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Co-heirs")). He identifies himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles" ([Ephesians 3:1](/ephesians/3-1 "Ephesians 3:1 - Paul, a Prisoner for the Gentiles")), emphasizing that his imprisonment is a direct consequence of his apostolic mission to them. Understanding that his suffering could be a stumbling block, [Ephesians 3:13](/ephesians/3-13 "Ephesians 3:13 - Paul's Tribulations for Their Glory") functions as a crucial pastoral exhortation to prevent discouragement before he launches into a powerful prayer for their spiritual strengthening and comprehension of Christ's love, which begins in [Ephesians 3:14](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14 - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians"). Thus, it bridges the theological exposition of the mystery with the practical implications for their faith and spiritual resilience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing this epistle while incarcerated, most likely during his first Roman imprisonment (c. A.D. 60-62), as suggested by references to his being a "prisoner" ([Ephesians 3:1](/ephesians/3-1 "Ephesians 3:1 - Paul, a Prisoner for the Gentiles"); [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Paul's Appeal for Unity")). In the Roman world, imprisonment was generally associated with criminality or divine disfavor, which could easily discredit a religious leader and his message. For the Ephesian Gentile believers, who were relatively new converts to Christianity and potentially facing social ostracism or persecution themselves, the news of their apostle's suffering could be deeply unsettling. They might question the power of the Gospel or their own secure standing if their spiritual father figure was in chains. Paul's statement directly addresses this potential source of doubt, reframing his suffering not as a defeat but as a powerful affirmation of their status and the profound truth of the Gospel that had brought them into God's family.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians](/ephesians "The Book of Ephesians") is a profound exploration of God's eternal plan, the unity of all believers in Christ, the nature of the church as Christ's body, and practical Christian living. [Ephesians 3:13](/ephesians/3-13 "Ephesians 3:13 - Paul's Tribulations for Their Glory") significantly contributes to the overarching theme of **God's sovereign purpose through suffering**. Paul consistently teaches that his afflictions are not random but divinely ordained for the advancement of the Gospel and the edification of the church, a concept also articulated in [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel"). It also reinforces the theme of **the glory of the church**, particularly the Gentile believers, who are now fully incorporated into God's family. Paul's suffering for this truth magnifies their honor and validates their inclusion, echoing the broader biblical motif that suffering endured for Christ's sake ultimately leads to glory, as exemplified by Christ's own path ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ's Suffering and Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Greek, _aitéō'_):** From the base of δοκέω, meaning "to ask (in genitive case); to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require." Paul is not merely expressing a casual wish but conveying a strong, earnest request or petition to the Ephesian believers. This underscores the deep pastoral intensity and genuine concern behind his exhortation, highlighting the importance of their spiritual steadfastness.
* **faint (Greek, _ekkakéō'_):** From ἐκ and κακός, meaning "to be (bad or) weak, i.e. (by implication) to fail (in heart); faint, be weary." This word vividly describes the emotional and spiritual exhaustion that can lead to giving up or succumbing to discouragement under pressure. Paul is urging them not to lose their spiritual resolve or succumb to weariness in the face of his hardships.
* **tribulations (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From θλίβω, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively); afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble." This term refers to the severe external pressures and distresses Paul was enduring, specifically his imprisonment and the various hardships associated with his apostolic ministry. It highlights the real and tangible nature of his suffering, which could easily be a source of discouragement for others.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of δοκέω, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective); dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." In this context, Paul's suffering brings honor, dignity, and validation to the Ephesian believers. It confirms the authenticity and significance of their standing in Christ, demonstrating the immense value and truth of the Gospel they received.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I desire":** Paul begins with a strong conjunction ("Wherefore" or "Therefore"), directly linking this exhortation to the preceding profound revelation of the mystery of Christ and his own apostolic role in it. His "desire" is not a casual wish but an earnest, heartfelt plea, born out of deep pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being and steadfastness of the Ephesian believers.
* **"that ye faint not":** This is the core of Paul's exhortation, a direct warning against losing heart, becoming weary, or giving up their faith due to external pressures. The negative command indicates a real and present danger of discouragement among them, highlighting the fragility of human resolve in the face of adversity.
* **"at my tribulations for you":** Paul identifies the specific cause of their potential discouragement: his own sufferings and imprisonment. The crucial phrase "for you" emphasizes that his afflictions are not random or punitive, but directly related to his ministry on their behalf, particularly his mission to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. His suffering is a direct consequence of their inclusion in God's plan.
* **"which is your glory":** This is the surprising and profound reinterpretation of his suffering. Paul declares that his tribulations, far from being a source of shame or doubt, are actually a source of "glory" for them. His suffering validates their calling and status as God's people, confirming the immense value and truth of the Gospel that brought them into God's family. It signifies their honor, dignity, and the authenticity of their new identity in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Paradox**, presenting Paul's suffering not as a cause for despair but as a source of glory for the Ephesians. This unexpected juxtaposition challenges conventional understanding and highlights a profound spiritual truth: God often works through weakness and adversity to achieve His purposes. There is also an element of **Antithesis** in the contrast between the potential to "faint" due to "tribulations" and the ultimate outcome of "glory." This rhetorical strategy underscores Paul's theological conviction that suffering endured for Christ's sake is not in vain but serves a divine, redemptive purpose. The phrase "for you" functions as a **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the beneficial intent behind Paul's afflictions, reinforcing the idea that his personal hardship directly contributes to their spiritual well-being and honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:13 profoundly connects the suffering of an apostle to the spiritual standing of the church, revealing a theological principle that God often uses the trials of His servants to validate and glorify His people. Paul's willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gentile believers underscored the immense value of their inclusion in God's covenant, transforming what might appear as a sign of weakness into a powerful testament to the truth of the Gospel. This perspective challenges believers to see suffering not as a barrier to God's work, but as a potential catalyst for His glory and the confirmation of His redemptive plan, demonstrating that the authenticity of the message is often proven through the endurance of its messengers.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering")
* [2 Corinthians 4:16-17](/2_corinthians/4-16-17 "2 Corinthians 4:16-17 - Not Losing Heart in Afflictions")
* [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:13 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a challenging world. It calls us to a mature perspective on suffering, particularly when it touches those who lead or serve us in the faith. When we witness the struggles of spiritual leaders or fellow believers, our natural inclination might be to question God's presence or the validity of the message. However, Paul reorients our perspective, urging us not to "faint" or lose heart. Instead, he invites us to see these tribulations as a testament to the worth of the Gospel and the significance of our own identity in Christ. Paul's suffering for the Ephesians' sake underscored the immense value of their salvation and their honored place in God's family. This challenges us to consider how our own endurance in trials, or the steadfastness of others, can serve as a powerful witness to the truth of God's transforming grace, bringing glory not to ourselves, but to the God who sustains us through every affliction, confirming the divine reality of our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you see spiritual leaders or fellow believers enduring significant hardship or persecution for their faith?**
* **In what ways might the suffering of others for the sake of the Gospel actually affirm or strengthen your own faith, rather than cause you to faint?**
* **How can understanding that your own trials might contribute to the "glory" of Christ or the church change your perspective on personal suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why would Paul's tribulations be considered the Ephesians' "glory"?**

Answer: Paul's tribulations were "your glory" in several significant ways. Firstly, his suffering directly resulted from his dedicated ministry to the Gentiles, including the Ephesians, to bring them into the full blessings of the Gospel. His imprisonment was a consequence of proclaiming the "mystery" that Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel in Christ ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Co-heirs")). Therefore, his willingness to suffer for this truth validated the immense worth and authenticity of their inclusion in God's family. Secondly, it demonstrated the power and truth of the Gospel itself; if the message were false, Paul's suffering would be meaningless. But because it was true, his endurance under pressure confirmed the divine origin and power of the message they had received. Finally, it brought honor and dignity to the Ephesian believers, showing that their new identity in Christ was so significant that an apostle would willingly endure hardship for it. It was a testament to their honored status as God's people, confirming that their faith was not in vain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:13, though focused on Paul's suffering, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's tribulations, willingly endured for the sake of the Gentiles' glory, powerfully mirror the redemptive suffering of Christ Himself. Just as Paul willingly bore hardship "for you," Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly endured the ultimate tribulation of the cross "for us," taking upon Himself the weight of humanity's sin. His suffering was not a sign of weakness but the very means by which God's glory was revealed and humanity's salvation secured ([John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "John 12:23-24 - The Grain of Wheat")). Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ entered into His glory ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ's Suffering and Glory")), and in doing so, He brought believers into a shared glory, making them co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Paul's suffering, therefore, is a participation in Christ's pattern of redemptive suffering, demonstrating that the path to true glory, both for the individual and the church, often passes through tribulation, just as it did for our Savior ([Philippians 3:10](/phillipians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). His example encourages believers to fix their eyes on Christ, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, becoming the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 3:13

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

2 Corinthians 1:6

And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.

Isaiah 40:30

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Ephesians 3:1

¶ For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Philippians 1:12

¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;