3:12 3:12

Ephesians 3:13

3:14 3:14

Bible Versions

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
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}.
So I ask you not to be discouraged by the troubles I endure on your behalf — it is all for your glory.
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

In Ephesians 3:13, the Apostle Paul offers a profound encouragement to the Gentile believers in Ephesus, urging them not to be disheartened by his imprisonment and suffering. He frames his personal tribulations not as a cause for despair, but as a source of honor and affirmation for their faith.

Context

This verse comes after Paul's revelation of the "mystery of Christ," which is that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). Paul, writing from prison, emphasizes his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles, for which he is suffering. His imprisonment could easily be misconstrued as a sign of God's disapproval or a weakness in the Gospel message. However, Paul reinterprets it, asserting that his afflictions are precisely "for you" – for their benefit and validation.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance in Faith: Paul's primary desire is that the Ephesians "faint not" or lose heart. He wants them to remain steadfast and confident in their calling, despite the outward circumstances of their spiritual leader.
  • Redemptive Suffering: Paul's tribulations are not in vain; they serve a divine purpose. His suffering for the sake of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles validates his message and their place in God's plan. This resonates with the broader biblical theme that suffering can produce endurance and character.
  • Glory through Affliction: Paul declares his suffering is "your glory." His willingness to endure hardship for their spiritual benefit brings honor and dignity to the Ephesian believers. It confirms the authenticity of the message they received and the significance of their new identity in Christ. This is similar to how Paul viewed his own afflictions as filling up what was lacking in Christ's sufferings for the church.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "faint not" translates the Greek verb ekkakeō (ἐκκακέω), meaning "to lose heart," "to grow weary," or "to give up." It conveys the idea of succumbing to weariness or discouragement under pressure. Paul frequently encourages believers not to lose heart in his letters.
  • "Tribulations" comes from the Greek word thlipsis (θλίψις), which denotes pressure, affliction, or distress. It refers to the physical and emotional hardships Paul endured, including imprisonment, beatings, and opposition.
  • "Glory" is from the Greek doxa (δόξα), signifying honor, splendor, or renown. In this context, Paul's suffering brings honor and affirmation to the Ephesian believers, confirming the validity of their inclusion in God's covenant.

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:13 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing challenges related to their faith. It reminds us that:

  • Suffering for Christ is Meaningful: When leaders or fellow believers endure hardship for the Gospel, it is not a sign of defeat but often a powerful testament to the truth and value of their message.
  • Don't Be Discouraged by Adversity: Personal trials or the difficulties faced by the church should not cause us to lose hope or abandon our faith. Instead, they can serve to deepen our conviction and reveal God's strength.
  • Our Faith Has Value: The sacrifices made by others for the Gospel underscore the immense worth of our salvation and our identity in Christ. Paul's suffering validated their "glory" – their honored status as God's people.

This verse encourages us to see suffering not as a setback, but as a potential pathway for God to display His power and bring honor to His people and His message.

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.

  • 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;
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