Ephesians 6:19-24
Pray for Boldness
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
21Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing.
22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Berean Standard Bible
After asking the Ephesians to pray for all the saints, Paul asks them to pray for him too. His request is specific: that words may be given to him so he can make known the mystery of the gospel boldly. He is an ambassador in chains, carrying a message while imprisoned.
Paul does not ask first for release, comfort, or a better reputation. Those needs are real, but his central concern is that he will speak as he should. Courage for Paul is not loudness or aggression. It is faithful clarity about the gospel when the cost of speaking is visible.
Tychicus will tell them how Paul is doing and will encourage their hearts. Even at the end, the letter is not built around a solitary hero. News, prayer, encouragement, and care move between the imprisoned apostle and the churches he serves.
Paul closes with peace to the brothers, love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. The final blessing gathers the letter's major gifts: peace, love, faith, and grace.
Questions
1 What does Paul ask the Ephesians to pray for him?
AnswerHe asks them to pray that words will be given to him so he can make the gospel known boldly and speak as he should.
2 How does Paul describe himself?
AnswerHe calls himself an ambassador for the gospel in chains. His imprisonment has not cancelled his calling.
3 Who will tell the Ephesians about Paul's circumstances?
AnswerTychicus will tell them how Paul is doing and encourage their hearts. The church receives care through a trusted messenger.
4 What does Paul pronounce on the believers at the end?
AnswerHe pronounces peace, love with faith, and grace to all who love the Lord Jesus with an undying love.
What This Means for Us
Paul's request gives us a better picture of boldness. Paul asks for words that make the gospel clear, even when fear and consequences make silence attractive. Faithful speech serves the message rather than the speaker.
The letter ends with mutual care rather than self-sufficiency. We need people who will pray for our words, bring honest news, and encourage our hearts. A household that receives that care can become a source of the same peace and grace for others.
Prayer
Lord, give us words when we need to speak and courage to speak with love. Make us attentive to one another's burdens, faithful in prayer, and generous with the peace, grace, and encouragement You give. Amen.