Ephesians 6:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

NIV: for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

NASB: for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

CSB: For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

NLT: I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

KJV: For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

NKJV: for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Paul viewed himself not merely as a lowly prisoner, but as "an ambassador in chains." He was a representative of the King of kings, albeit one in captivity. As a prisoner under house arrest, Paul might have still been literally chained in his apartment. In some cases, prisoners were shackled to a Roman solder, which may have stirred Paul's analogy of the armor of God. Others view the reference to chains as a generic metaphor for his imprisonment. Regardless, Paul had already spent previous time in literal chains for the faith and could rightly use this title.

Further, Paul noted that declaring God's truth boldly was the right thing to do. He did not view being quiet about his faith as honorable. Instead, he asked for faith to speak even more boldly about Christ. This was quite admirable, given the fact that he was already imprisoned because of his preaching of the gospel. Paul refused to back down, and rather wanted to become even bolder in presenting the good news of Jesus Christ.

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 5/1/2024 8:08:16 PM