Ephesians 6:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

NIV: Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

NASB: and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

CSB: Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

NLT: And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

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,

NKJV: and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

In addition to the areas of prayer mentioned in verse 18, Paul adds a request for personal prayer. As Paul prepares to end his letter, he takes time to request prayer for his life and work in Rome. The first area of prayer he mentions is for boldness. His goal was not personal comfort, but effective ability to evangelize those around him.

Notice also that his prayer to share the gospel included a request for the right words to share. We are to share our faith through our actions, yet are also called to share our faith with our words. It has become common to hear the saying, "Share the gospel always, and when necessary use words." With respect to all, this is somewhat like saying, "feed the hungry always, and when necessary use food." Paul shows the importance of actions and words working together. Bold sharing of faith includes the effective use of speaking to communicate the good news of Christ. Without the truths of the words, there is no gospel.

Ephesians 6:10–20 concludes Paul's practical application of Christianity with a famous series of metaphors. Here, he describes the ''armor of God.'' In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of a Roman soldier's basic equipment to show how the components of Christianity work together as we strive to serve God. The soldier's tools include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. In parallel, the Christian's implements are truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Christians are also given prayer. Just as a soldier's equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian's equipment is meant for spiritual warfare.

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

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.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:51:47 AM