Ephesians 6:19-20

6:19

Pray also – while Paul is telling the Ephesians whom to pray for, he includes himself. Applying that to myself can lead me in 2 directions, both of which are valid: (1) I can approach this as how to pray for my pastors, and (2) I can apply the specifics to myself. Let’s see if I can achieve both.

for me – on behalf of (1) seeking blessings for my pastors, (2) needing others to pray for God’s help in my life

that – specific prayer requests. But I notice that these requests have nothing to do with back pain, or his eyes, or financial needs. These focus on the gospel and Paul’s faithfulness to his calling.

whenever – at any time, in any context; formal teaching, preaching, or casual conversation

I open my mouth – (1) pastors speak; (2) I speak. The tongue is the most difficult body part to tame.

words may be given me – from God. How many times have I kicked myself after the fact for saying things that did not need to be said. What would it look like, sound like, if every time I opened my mouth I could anticipate the effect my words would have on the other person in relation to the Gospel and the kingdom of God? If I saw all my speech vis-à-vis the Gospel, perhaps—probably—it would have a significant impact on my speech. But the other part of the equation involves God supplying the right words at the right time. He knows what is going on in the other person’s life. He can anticipate the effect of my words on the other. So when people pray for me I need them to pray that God will give me the right words at the right time. The corollary (although Paul does not say it here) is to pray that God would be in the heart of each to whom I speak (is that part of the prayer of St. Ignatius?). I think this kind of prayer befits both my pastors as well as me.

so that – with the goal, for the purpose

I will fearlessly – boldly, confidently, in spite of dangers, aware of painful possibilities but proceeding in spite of that

make known – speak, proclaim, broadcast, witness, testify

the mystery – not previously revealed

of the gospel – Good News, essence of God’s dealings with humankind. How can I make known God’s Good News? My society holds religious attitudes very similar to those of Paul’s time. I.e., we seem to believe that anyone can believe whatever he chooses. And I admit that I accept that attitude. But along with it comes the thinking that if someone tries to convert another that is wrong. It violates the right of each person to believe his own way. Strangely, when other religions do this, society calls it enlightenment and interesting and expanding our outlook. But when Christ-followers share our beliefs it seems to me that society calls it proselyting. All of that to say, to admit that I have allowed the fear of that accusation to hold me back from speaking about Christ more openly.

6:20

for which – on behalf of this Good News

I am – present condition

an ambassador – commissioned representative, agent, speaking on behalf of the King of kings

in chains – sitting in prison at the time of dictating this letter. But even in prison, he found opportunities to speak for the King of kings to anyone he encountered

Pray – call on God to give me the help I need

that I may declare it – speak out as distinct from whispering; not a secret but openly confessed

fearlessly – how many fears hold me back?

As I should – If Jesus Christ is my King, then I have an obligation to Him to spread His kingdom, to reveal my loyalty to Him, to find others who will join me in this loyalty. This is my “ought,” my “should”