For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
For {G5228} which {G3739} I am an ambassador {G4243} in {G1722} bonds {G254}: that {G2443} therein {G1722}{G846} I may speak boldly {G3955}, as {G5613} I {G3165} ought {G1163} to speak {G2980}.
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak boldly, the way I should.
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
-
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. -
Colossians 4:4
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. -
Philippians 1:7
¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. -
2 Timothy 2:9
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. -
Acts 26:29
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. -
1 John 3:16
Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. -
Ephesians 4:1
¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Context
Ephesians 6:20 is part of Paul's concluding remarks and a specific prayer request at the end of his letter to the Ephesians. Having just exhorted believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual forces, he shifts focus to the importance of prayer, not just for themselves but for others, and specifically for himself. This verse immediately follows his plea in Ephesians 6:19 for utterance to make known "the mystery of the gospel." Paul’s situation as a prisoner in Rome provides a poignant backdrop to his unwavering commitment to his mission.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "ambassador" is presbeuo (πρεσβεύω), meaning to be an envoy or representative, often of a king or government. It emphasizes the authority and dignity of the one being represented. The term "bonds" (Greek: halusis - ἅλυσις) refers to literal chains or imprisonment, a stark contrast to the freedom inherent in the gospel message he carries. The word "boldly" (Greek: parrhesia - παρρησία) signifies freedom of speech, frankness, and confidence, a crucial quality for effective evangelism in the face of persecution.
Practical Application
Ephesians 6:20 offers powerful lessons for believers today: