19 and for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
In this passage, Paul talks about his own situation, his imprisonment for the Gospel. Paul does not ask that his readers pray for his release; rather he prays that he may use his situation to further the Gospel and preach and teach the Good New to those around him.
He reminds them that he, as well as. us today, have been given the privilege of being and ambassador for the Lord Jesus! We are His representative wherever we are. Paul asks that the Ephesian Christians pray that he can effectively communicate the Good News.
Paul could have felt and experienced and lived out a life of self-pity in his current situation; rather he asks that they pray that he will have boldness. Paul had experienced many trials in his walk for the Lord (2nd Cor. 11:23-27). He does not exhibit self-pity or resentment.
In his final imprisonment recorded in 2 Tim. 4, which some call “the last will and testament of Paul,” he confidently proclaims, 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Today, we must pray for other as they share the Gospel as we would want them to pray for us. Satan does not want us to be bold in the face of spiritual conflict in the world today. We must realize that evangelism is spiritual warfare. We must take the whole armor of God and implement its teaching in our day walk. While we are involved in this, we must realize that we can and do share the Lord’s presence. Paul felt that and it’s reflected in the words of 2 Tim. 4:16-17, 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
