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Commentary on Ephesians 6 verses 19–24
Here, I. He desires their prayers for him, Eph 6:19. Having mentioned supplication for all saints, he puts himself into the number. We must pray for all saints, and particularly for God's faithful ministers. Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified. Observe what it is he would have them pray for in his behalf: "That utterance may be given unto me; that I may be enlarged from my present restraints, and so have liberty to propagate the faith of Christ; that I may have ability to express myself in a suitable and becoming manner; and that I may open my mouth boldly, that is, that I may deliver the whole counsel of God, without any base fear, shame, or partiality." To make known the mystery of the gospel; some understand it of that part of the gospel which concerns the calling of the Gentiles, which had hitherto, as a mystery, been concealed. But the whole gospel was a mystery, till made known by divine revelation; and it is the work of Christ's ministers to publish it. Observe, Paul had a great command of language; they called him Mercury, because he was the chief speaker (Act 14:12), and yet he would have his friends ask of God the gift of utterance for him. He was a man of great courage, and often signalized himself for it; yet he would have them pray that God would give him boldness. He knew as well what to say as any man; yet he desires them to pray for him, that he may speak as he ought to speak. The argument with which he enforces his request is that for the sake of the gospel he was an ambassador in bonds, Eph 6:20. He was persecuted and imprisoned for preaching the gospel; though, notwithstanding, he continued in the embassy committed to him by Christ, and persisted in preaching it. Observe, 1. It is no new thing for Christ's ministers to be in bonds. 2. It is a hard thing for them to speak boldly when that is their case. 3. The best and most eminent ministers have need of, and may receive advantage by, the prayers of good Christians; and therefore should earnestly desire them. Having thus desired their prayers,
II. He recommends Tychicus unto them, Eph 6:21, Eph 6:22. He sent him with this epistle, that he might acquaint them with what other churches were informed of, namely, how he did, and what he did; how he was used by the Romans in his bonds, and how he behaved himself in his present circumstances. It is desirable to good ministers both that their Christian friends should know their state and that they should be acquainted with the condition of their friends; for by this means they may the better help each other in their prayers. - And that he might comfort their hearts, by giving such an account of his sufferings, of the cause of them, and of the temper of his mind and his behaviour under them, as might prevent their fainting at his tribulations and even minister matter of joy and thanksgiving unto them. He tells them that Tychicus was a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. He was a sincere Christian, and so a brother in Christ: he was a faithful minister in the work of Christ, and he was very dear to Paul, which makes Paul's love to these Christian Ephesians the more observable, in that he should now part with so good and dear a friend for their sakes, when his company and conversation must have been peculiarly delightful and serviceable to himself. But the faithful servants of Jesus Christ are wont to prefer the public good to their own private or personal interests.
III. He concludes with his good wishes and prayers for them, and not for them only, but for all the brethren, Eph 6:23, Eph 6:24. His usual benediction was, Grace and peace; here it is, Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith. By peace we are to understand all manner of peace - peace with God, peace with conscience, peace among themselves: and all outward prosperity is included in the word; as if he had said, "I wish the continuance and increase of all happiness to you." And love with faith. This in part explains what he means in the following verse by grace; not only grace in the fountain, or the love and favour of God, but grace in the streams, the grace of the Spirit flowing from that divine principle, faith and love including all the rest. It is the continuance and increase of these that he desires for them, in whom they were already begun. It follows, from God the Father, etc. All Grace and blessings are derived to the saints from God, through the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ our Lord. The closing benediction is more extensive than the former; for in this he prays for all true believers at Ephesus, and every where else. It is the undoubted character of all the saints that they love our Lord Jesus Christ. Our love to Christ is not acceptable, unless it be in sincerity: indeed there is no such thing as love to Christ, whatever men may pretend, where there is not sincerity. The words may be read, Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption, who continue constant in their love to him, so as not to be corrupted out of it by any baits or seductions whatsoever, and whose love to him is uncorrupted by any opposite lust, or the love of any thing displeasing to him. Grace, that is, the favour of God, and all good (spiritual and temporal), that is, the product of it, are and shall be with all those who thus love our Lord Jesus Christ. And it is, or ought to be, the desire and prayer of every lover of Christ that it may be so with all his fellow-christians. Amen, so be it.
Boldly means “so that I may not fail to accomplish it fully and that my chains may not so work on my mind as to prevent my accomplishing it, the task of expounding the mystery, as I ought.”
This prayer God hears gladly. The apostle is being despised. God’s own mission is under challenge. So God will certainly not withhold his gifts from one who is upholding God’s own cause. Custom and law forbid the infliction of harm on human ambassadors. So would it not be presumptuous and rash to bring on the ambassadors of God not only harm but death?
"For which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak"; that is, that I may answer with confidence, with courage, with great prudence.
Nothing can be more blessed than that soul. In what does he glory? In bonds, in afflictions, in chains, in scars; "I bear branded on my body," saith he, "the marks of Jesus," as though they were some great trophy. And again, "For because of the hope of Israel," saith he, "I am bound with this chain." And again, "For which I am an ambassador in chains." What is this? Art thou not ashamed, art thou not afraid going about the world as a prisoner? Dost thou not fear lest any one should charge thy God with weakness? lest any one should on this account refuse to come near thee and to join the fold? No, saith he, not such are my bonds. They can shine brightly even in kings' palaces. "So that my bonds," saith he, "became manifest in Christ, throughout the whole praetorian guard: and most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear." Behold ye a force in bonds stronger than the raising of the dead. They beheld me bound, and they are the more courageous. For where bonds are, there of necessity is something great also. Where affliction is, there verily is salvation also, there verily is solace, there verily are great achievements. For when the devil kicks, then is he, doubtless, hit. When he binds God's servants, then most of all does the word gain ground.
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SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:20 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound commitment to his divine calling as an emissary of the gospel, even while enduring physical imprisonment. Despite being "in bonds," he views his circumstances not as a hindrance but as a unique platform from which to fulfill his primary mission: to proclaim the mystery of Christ with unreserved boldness, precisely as his sacred duty demands. This verse encapsulates Paul's unwavering focus on his ambassadorial role and his dependence on God for the courage to speak truth, regardless of personal cost or constraint.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Metaphor is central, as Paul describes himself as an "ambassador," drawing on a well-understood secular role to convey the spiritual authority and representative nature of his ministry. This metaphor highlights the sovereign power he represents (Christ) and the vital message he carries (the gospel). There is also a striking Paradox in the phrase "ambassador in bonds." The dignity and freedom associated with an ambassador are juxtaposed with the physical confinement of "bonds," creating tension that underscores the supernatural power of the gospel, which cannot be chained. Finally, the verse contains a Purpose Clause ("that therein I may speak boldly"), which clearly articulates the divine intention behind Paul's circumstances and his unwavering focus on his mission despite adversity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:20 profoundly impacts our understanding of Christian calling and resilience. It teaches that true spiritual authority and effectiveness are not negated by physical limitations or suffering; rather, they can be highlighted and even amplified through them. Paul's identity as an "ambassador" underscores the representative nature of all believers who bear the name of Christ, called to convey His truth and character to a watching world. His prayer for boldness, even from prison, reminds us that the proclamation of the gospel is a divine imperative that requires supernatural courage, especially when faced with opposition or discomfort. This verse challenges believers to view their circumstances, however difficult, as potential platforms for God's purposes, always prioritizing the faithful and fearless declaration of His message.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Ephesians 6:20 offers a timeless model for every believer. We are all, in our respective spheres, ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation and called to represent Him faithfully. This means that our identity in Christ transcends our external circumstances, whether we find ourselves in positions of influence or experiencing personal limitations. Like Paul, we are to prioritize the proclamation of the gospel, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings. This verse challenges us to examine our own willingness to speak boldly for Christ, even when it is inconvenient, unpopular, or potentially costly. It reminds us that true courage comes not from human strength but from divine enablement, and it compels us to pray for such boldness—for ourselves and for fellow believers—that we might always speak "as we ought to speak," faithfully representing the One who sent us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "ambassador in bonds"?
Answer: By "ambassador," Paul uses the Greek word presbeúō, which refers to an envoy or representative of a sovereign power, carrying an official message. This highlights his divinely appointed role as a representative of Christ, entrusted with the gospel message. The phrase "in bonds" (Greek: hálysis) refers to his literal physical chains or imprisonment, likely under house arrest in Rome. The combination creates a powerful paradox: a dignified representative of the ultimate King is physically constrained, yet his mission remains unhindered. It underscores that the message of Christ cannot be bound, even if its messenger is. Paul's imprisonment, far from being a defeat, became a unique platform for him to fulfill his ambassadorial duties, as seen in passages like Philippians 1:12-14.
Why is boldness so important for an ambassador of the gospel?
Answer: Boldness (Greek: parrhēsiázomai) is crucial for an ambassador of the gospel because the message of Christ often challenges prevailing cultural norms, personal comfort zones, and even hostile opposition. An ambassador represents a higher authority and must speak with the conviction and clarity befitting that authority, regardless of personal risk. For Paul, this boldness was not human arrogance but a divinely enabled confidence to declare the "mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19) without fear or compromise. It signifies speaking with frankness, freedom, and an unwavering commitment to the truth, which is essential for effective evangelism and discipleship in a world often resistant to God's truth. The early church also prayed for such boldness in Acts 4:29-31.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:20, while speaking of Paul's specific apostolic calling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the supreme "Ambassador" of God, the perfect revelation of the Father, who came "in bonds" of human flesh to dwell among us, taking on the limitations of humanity to perfectly fulfill His mission. As Hebrews 1:1-3 declares, Christ is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being," the ultimate Word of God made flesh. He spoke with unparalleled boldness and authority, challenging religious hypocrisy and proclaiming the kingdom of God without fear, even when it led Him to the cross. His life, death, and resurrection constitute the very "mystery of the gospel" that Paul was commissioned to proclaim. Through Christ's work, all believers are now made "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20), empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue His mission of making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Thus, Paul's prayer for boldness is a plea to embody the very character and mission of Christ, who perfectly demonstrated what it means to speak "as I ought to speak" for the glory of God.