Ephesians 6:19-20 19and for me, in order that a word may be given to me in opening my mouth in boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, in order that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul continues the theme of praying but now asks the Ephesians to pray for him. His prayer request focuses on his mission of preaching the gospel. He knew that the words he spoke could not come from his own thinking or intellect. They needed to come from God. The gospel is described here as a mystery. Paul used this word for the gospel also in 1:9; 3:3, 4, 6, and 9. The word describes how the gospel was hidden for long ages. The prophets had a glimpse into it. It was fully revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is beyond human intellect and still remains a mystery to some extent. Only through the Spirit can we come to know and experience this mystery (1 Corinthians 2:10). At the heart of the mystery is our relationship with God by being “in Christ.” Paul needed God’s help in explaining this in ways that people could understand and respond in faith.
Paul asks for prayer for boldness. Many times he face opposition. This letter implies he was in prison (3:1), which would have made his preaching even more difficult. Verse 20 adds weight to the conclusion that he was in prison because he was an ambassador in chains. He must have found consolation in the presence of the Holy Spirit during the long hours of possible isolation and loneliness. His faith grew strong through these trials. He learned the meaning and experienced the power of the grace of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9). He needed the strength of the prayers of other believers to sustain him during these times. He asks twice for boldness. This does not mean he was afraid, but fear can attack even the strongest of believers. Paul basically needed his faith to be stronger.
Prayer can have a powerful effect on those who are struggling in difficult situations. The type of prayer Paul is asking for will be answered because it glories God and was God’s mission for Paul. Paul was not asking for personal safety or health but for effectiveness in sharing the gospel. This was not a selfish request but for the glory of God.
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