Ephesians 3:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

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

NASB: Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.

CSB: So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

NLT: So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

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

NKJV: Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Because of their reasons for great confidence, Paul suggests his readers should not be discouraged to hear of his struggles. Paul also spoke of not losing heart in 2 Corinthians 4:1, stating, "Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart" (see also 2 Corinthians 4:16). Paul again acknowledges his ministry is because of God, not his own human accomplishments. By the end of his life, Paul still considered himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), though God had used him greatly to impact many lives.

Paul also calls his suffering something which is their "glory." He uses "glory" six times in this letter, yet only here does he mention something intended for the church's glory, rather than for God's. The idea seems to be that Paul suffered on their behalf, and did so honorably. He was not arrested for lawless activities, or immorality, but rather for his faith in Jesus Christ. As a result, many had come to faith and spoke out more boldly for the Lord (Philippians 1:12–18). They could be encouraged at how God continued to work in Paul's ministry, despite all Paul was facing at the time.

Ephesians 3:1–13 explains Paul's ministry in the context of God's revealed mystery. Paul was called as a minister to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen. Prior to this calling, however, he had persecuted the church as an unbeliever. Only God's divine grace saved Paul, and only God's divine grace causes the family of the church to grow. Even angels are learning more about the mysteries of God as they observe Him working through His church.

Ephesians chapter 3 wraps up Paul's doctrinal teaching and introduces its practical application. Paul refers to both his imprisonment and to his spiritual calling. This calling includes proclaiming the fact that all people, Jew and Gentile, can now be part of the same spiritual family. Paul also prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church, as he prepares to explain how knowledge about Christ should translate into living for Christ.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, the last three are practical. Chapter 3 begins the transition from a Christian understanding of salvation, grace, and the power of Christ into a practical guide for Christian living. To make the transition, in this chapter, Paul refers to his own calling by God and prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church. The early verses of chapter 4 will flow out of Paul's references to his own imprisonment.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.