Ephesians 6:19

KJV

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} for {G5228} me {G1700}, that {G2443} utterance {G3056} may be given {G1325} unto me {G3427}, that I may open {G1722}{G457} my {G3450} mouth {G4750} boldly {G1722}{G3954}, to make known {G1107} the mystery {G3466} of the gospel {G2098},

Complete Jewish Bible

And pray for me, too, that whenever I open my mouth, the words will be given to me to be bold in making known the secret of the Good News,

Berean Standard Bible

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,

American Standard Version

and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Ephesians 6:19, the Apostle Paul, writing from imprisonment, makes a specific and humble request for prayer from the Ephesian believers. This personal plea follows his comprehensive exhortation to don the full armor of God and to engage in constant, intercessory prayer for all saints. Paul's request highlights his deep reliance on divine enablement and the spiritual support of the church, seeking the ability to speak God's revealed truth with courage and clarity, thereby making known the profound mystery of the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically within the final chapter's practical exhortations. Having spent chapters 1-3 outlining the glorious theological truths of God's redemptive plan in Christ, and chapters 4-6 detailing the practical implications for Christian living, Paul culminates his letter with a powerful call to spiritual warfare. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul issues the famous command to "put on the whole armor of God" [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God") and to "pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Praying for All Saints"). His personal request for prayer in [Ephesians 6:19](/ephesians/6-19 "Ephesians 6:19 - Paul's Prayer Request") serves as a poignant example of the very intercession he has just commanded, demonstrating that even an apostle relies on the prayers of the church for effective ministry. It transitions from general instruction to a specific, vulnerable appeal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians likely from Roman imprisonment, around A.D. 60-62. This historical reality underscores his request for boldness; he was not writing from a position of comfort or safety, but from chains, facing potential persecution and opposition for his proclamation of the gospel. In the Roman world, public speech, especially that which challenged prevailing religious or political norms, could be dangerous. The "mystery of the gospel" that Paul wished to proclaim was particularly offensive to both Jewish exclusivism and pagan polytheism, as it declared salvation through a crucified Messiah and the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people without requiring adherence to Mosaic Law. This context amplifies the need for divine utterance and boldness, as Paul's ministry was often met with hostility, as seen in various accounts in [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "The Book of Ephesians") is rich with theological themes that converge in this verse. One primary theme is the **unity of the church**—the "mystery" that Jews and Gentiles are made "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - The Mystery Revealed"). Paul's desire to make this mystery known underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive work. Another crucial theme is **spiritual warfare**, as detailed in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Spiritual Battle"). Paul's request for boldness is directly linked to this battle, recognizing that proclaiming the gospel is a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness. Finally, the theme of **divine enablement for ministry** is prominent; Paul, despite his apostolic authority and spiritual gifts, recognizes his absolute dependence on God's grace and the Spirit's power, channeled through the prayers of the saints, to fulfill his calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Utterance (Greek, _lógos'_):** This term, while broadly meaning "word" or "speech," carries a deeper connotation here. It refers not merely to the act of speaking, but to the right words, the divinely inspired message, and the ability to articulate it effectively. In this context, Paul is praying for an anointing to speak with clarity, precision, and spiritual power, ensuring that his message is not just human rhetoric but a vehicle for God's truth. It implies a supernatural gift of communication.
* **Boldly (Greek, _parrhēsía'_):** This powerful word signifies freedom of speech, confidence, fearlessness, and outspokenness. It describes a state of mind and manner of speaking characterized by courage and unreservedness, especially in the face of potential opposition or danger. For Paul, imprisoned and facing hostile audiences, this boldness was not a natural personality trait but a spiritual empowerment to proclaim the gospel without intimidation or compromise, regardless of the consequences.
* **Mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** In Pauline theology, a "mystery" is not something incomprehensible or unknowable, but rather a divine truth that was previously hidden in God's eternal plan and has now been revealed, primarily through Christ and the apostles. Here, it specifically refers to the profound truth that God's salvation through Jesus Christ is for all people—both Jews and Gentiles—who are now united as one body in Christ, sharing equally in His promises. This was a radical revelation that challenged deeply ingrained social and religious divisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me":** Paul shifts from a general call to prayer for all saints to a specific, personal request. He desires that God would grant him the supernatural ability, the right words, and the clarity of expression necessary for proclaiming the gospel effectively. This highlights his dependence on divine enablement rather than his own rhetorical skill.
* **"that I may open my mouth boldly":** The purpose of the granted utterance is to enable Paul to speak with courage and freedom. "Opening the mouth" is an idiom for beginning to speak, often with significance or authority. The addition of "boldly" emphasizes the need for spiritual courage, especially given the challenging and often dangerous circumstances of his ministry, ensuring he would not shrink back from declaring the full truth.
* **"to make known the mystery of the gospel":** This clause reveals the ultimate objective of Paul's prayer request. His desire for utterance and boldness is not for personal gain or recognition, but for the effective proclamation of the "mystery of the gospel." This "mystery" is the profound truth of God's redemptive plan, previously concealed but now revealed in Christ, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles alongside Jews into God's one new people, the church. His aim is to clearly articulate this central truth of salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Synecdoche** is present in the phrase "open my mouth," where the part (mouth) stands for the whole action of speaking. This emphasizes the physical act of proclamation, but also the spiritual enablement behind it. The phrase "utterance may be given unto me" uses **passive voice** to highlight the divine source of this ability, underscoring Paul's dependence on God rather than his own inherent skill. Furthermore, the concept of "mystery" functions as a **theological metaphor**, representing a divine truth previously veiled but now unveiled through revelation. This device draws attention to the profound, revelatory nature of the gospel message itself, which was hidden in God's eternal plan but now made manifest through Christ and the apostolic witness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:19 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the necessity of divine empowerment for gospel proclamation, coupled with the vital role of intercessory prayer. Paul, despite his unique apostolic calling and profound theological insight, recognized his absolute dependence on God to effectively communicate the "mystery of the gospel." This mystery, the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles into one body through Christ, is the central theme of Ephesians and the very heart of God's redemptive plan. The verse thus connects the personal spiritual discipline of prayer to the universal mission of the church, demonstrating that effective evangelism is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely enabled work, sustained by the prayers of the saints. It underscores that boldness in witness is a spiritual gift, not a natural temperament, and it is given for the specific purpose of making God's revealed truth known to a lost world.

* [Colossians 4:3-4](/colossians/4-3-4 "Colossians 4:3-4 - Paul's Prayer Request for Open Doors")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:1](/2_thessalonians/3-1 "2 Thessalonians 3:1 - Pray for the Word of the Lord")
* [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "Acts 4:29-31 - Prayer for Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's humble request for prayer in Ephesians 6:19 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers about the profound importance of intercession, not just for those in obvious need, but especially for those who faithfully proclaim the gospel. It challenges us to move beyond superficial prayers and engage in fervent, specific intercession for our pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and all who bear witness to Christ. We are called to pray that they would receive "utterance"—the right words, clarity, and divine anointing—and "boldness"—the courage and fearlessness to speak truth in a world often hostile to it. Furthermore, this verse calls us to examine our own lives: are we praying for boldness for ourselves to share the "mystery of the gospel" in our spheres of influence? Do we truly grasp the radical inclusivity of the gospel, which unites all peoples in Christ, and does that understanding fuel our passion for witness? Our prayers for others, and our own pursuit of Spirit-given boldness, are integral to God's ongoing work of making His glorious salvation known to every corner of the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **For whom in your life or church are you regularly praying for "utterance" and "boldness" in sharing the gospel?**
* **In what specific situations do you find yourself needing boldness to speak about your faith, and how can you pray for that enablement?**
* **How does understanding the "mystery of the gospel"—that salvation is for all people, uniting them in Christ—impact your desire and approach to evangelism?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mystery of the gospel" that Paul refers to in Ephesians 6:19?**

Answer: In Pauline theology, a "mystery" (Greek, _mystḗrion_) is not something incomprehensible but a divine truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now revealed. In [Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "The Book of Ephesians"), the specific "mystery of the gospel" refers to God's radical plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles into one body, the church, through faith in Jesus Christ, making them "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - The Mystery Revealed"). This was a profound revelation, as for centuries, God's covenant people had been exclusively Israel. The gospel reveals that through Christ, the dividing wall has been broken down, creating a new humanity where all are equal in Christ [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:19, while a personal prayer request from Paul, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mystery of the gospel" that Paul longs to make known is precisely the good news of Christ's finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension, through which salvation is offered to all humanity. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this mystery, the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are hidden [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures"). The "utterance" and "boldness" Paul seeks are Spirit-empowered gifts, echoing Christ's own confident and authoritative teaching, which often amazed His listeners [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching"). Furthermore, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim this very gospel, promising His presence and power [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is the one who grants the "boldness" to speak of Him, as seen in the early church's experience after praying for courage [Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - The Apostles Speak with Boldness"). Thus, Paul's prayer is a Christ-centered plea for the Spirit's enablement to effectively proclaim Christ's saving work and His unifying reign, fulfilling the very mission He inaugurated.

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

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

2 Thessalonians 3:1

¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:

1 Thessalonians 5:25

Brethren, pray for us.

Hebrews 13:18

¶ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

1 Thessalonians 2:2

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.