Ephesians 6:19, 20 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, The apostle feels his need of the prayers of the saints, because he has a true appreciation of the difficulty and importance of his work. I. THE BLESSING HE ASKS FOR. It is no temporal blessing, not even release from imprisonment that he might more widely preach the gospel. It is simply that "utterance might be given to him" to preach the mystery of the gospel with boldness. This implies: (1) that courage was needed for the declaration of a gospel which was an offence to the world; (2) that even an apostle was dependent upon God for simple utterance. II. A DOUBLE ARGUMENT TO BESPEAK AN AFFECTIONATE INTEREST IN THEIR PRAYERS. For which I am an ambassador in bonds. 1. He was an ambassador. The apostle never forgets the dignity of his office. He knows he is the representative of a great King, though he is immured in Roman prisons. Ministers are Christ's ambassadors. "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" (2 Corinthians 5:20). 2. He was an ambassador in bonds. The ambassadors of earthly sovereigns come with pomp and splendor. Their persons are sacred and inviolable; to touch them is to declare war. But this ambassador of Christ is in prison and afflicted. Brave ambassador in bonds! He is worthy of the prayers of the saints. - T.C. Parallel Verses 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, |
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