Ephesians 6:20 kjv
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:20 nkjv
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:20 niv
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:20 esv
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:20 nlt
I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Ephesians 6 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 5:20 | Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. | Believers are ambassadors for Christ |
| Phlm 1:9 | for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus | Paul, a prisoner for Christ |
| Eph 3:1-4 | For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles... | Paul's imprisonment for the Gentiles' sake |
| Col 4:3-4 | that God may open to us a door for the word... so that I may make it clear | Prayer for open doors and clear proclamation |
| Col 4:18 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. | Paul explicitly mentions his chains |
| 2 Tim 2:9 | for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. | Paul's suffering and chains for the gospel |
| Phil 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. | Shared grace in imprisonment for the gospel |
| Phil 1:13-14 | so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard... Most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment... | Chains advance the gospel |
| Acts 4:29 | And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, | Prayer for boldness in ministry |
| Acts 9:27 | But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus at Damascus. | Paul's early boldness in preaching |
| Acts 14:3 | So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. | Apostles' boldness validated by God's power |
| Acts 28:31 | He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. | Paul's continued boldness in Rome |
| 1 Thess 2:2 | But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. | Boldness despite previous suffering |
| Prov 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. | Righteousness linked to boldness |
| Isa 58:1 | "Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet." | Divine command to speak boldly and openly |
| Jer 1:7-9 | "Do not say, 'I am only a youth,' for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak... For I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." | God empowers His spokespersons |
| Eze 3:8-9 | "Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces... Be not dismayed by their looks, for they are a rebellious house." | God grants courage to prophets |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... | Lack of shame, an aspect of boldness |
| 1 Cor 9:16 | For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting, for necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! | Necessity and duty of preaching |
| Jude 1:3 | Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. | Contending/speaking for the faith as a duty |
| Matt 10:28 | And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. | Fear of God enables fearlessness toward man |
| Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." | Prioritizing divine duty over human fear |
Ephesians 6 verses
Ephesians 6 20 Meaning
Ephesians 6:20 reveals Paul's self-understanding and earnest prayer request. Despite being imprisoned ("in chains"), he sees himself as an "ambassador" for the "mystery of the gospel" (from v.19). His primary desire and urgent need are to speak this message of Christ with unwavering boldness, precisely as his sacred duty demands. This verse encapsulates the paradoxical power of the Gospel: its minister is bound, yet his voice must be unchained to proclaim God's truth.
Ephesians 6 20 Context
Ephesians 6 concludes Paul's letter by emphasizing spiritual warfare and the need for believers to stand firm against spiritual evil. After outlining the "whole armor of God" (vv.10-17), Paul stresses the crucial role of persistent prayer for all saints (v.18) and specifically for himself (vv.19-20). He has just requested prayer "that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel" (v.19). Verse 20 directly builds on this, providing the reason and specific focus of this prayer: Paul's identity and mission as a bound ambassador whose duty is to speak the gospel boldly. This prayer request, made from his imprisonment, underscores the profound importance of proclamation and spiritual courage in advancing God's kingdom amidst adversity. Historically, being an "ambassador" was a highly respected role, typically reserved for free and privileged individuals. Paul's description of himself as an ambassador "in chains" (a prisoner of the Roman Empire, possibly under house arrest in Rome as depicted in Acts 28) presented a stark and striking image. This paradoxical situation subtly countered any notion that suffering or worldly disadvantage invalidated one's divine mission or the power of the message. The gospel, unlike secretive mystery cults of the day, was to be declared openly and freely by those appointed to its service.
Ephesians 6 20 Word analysis
- for which (ὑπὲρ οὗ, hyper hou): Literally "on behalf of which" or "concerning which." This phrase directly links back to the "mystery of the gospel" mentioned in the preceding verse (Ephesians 6:19). It signifies that Paul's ambassadorship and suffering are entirely in service of this divine revelation. His suffering is not personal calamity but directly tied to his mission for the Gospel.
- I am (εἰμί, eimi): A simple verb of being, yet it emphasizes Paul's self-identity and established reality. This is not a temporary role but an inherent state or calling.
- an ambassador (πρέσβυς, presbys or often presbeuō from 2 Cor 5:20 meaning "to be an ambassador"): The Greek term for an ambassador, a diplomatic representative of a sovereign power. An ambassador holds official authority, speaks for their sender, and their message carries the weight of the sovereign. Paul views himself as a divinely appointed agent, representing God and Christ. His commission is from the highest authority, implying both immense honor and immense responsibility. His role is to bridge the gap between God and humanity.
- in chains (ἐν ἁλύσει, en halysei): This is a vivid, concrete detail, literally meaning "in a chain" or "in chains." It points to Paul's physical imprisonment, likely to a Roman soldier guarding him. This presents a stark contrast to the usual status of an ambassador, who would typically be afforded freedom and dignity. The phrase highlights the paradox: God's ambassador is physically bound, yet his spiritual authority and message remain unrestrained. It also underscores his suffering for the Gospel's sake, which became a powerful testimony itself.
- that in it (ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ, hina en autō): A purpose clause. "It" refers to the mystery of the gospel (from v.19) or perhaps even the state of being an ambassador, especially a chained one. The goal of Paul's ambassadorship and even his chains is the effective proclamation of the gospel.
- I may speak boldly (παρρησιάζωμαι, parrēsiazomai): From parrhesia, meaning "all speech," implying freedom of speech, plainness, outspokenness, confidence, and fearlessness. This is not merely speaking loudly, but speaking with conviction, transparency, and no fear of reprisal. It means declaring the full truth of the gospel without equivocation or hesitation, regardless of personal cost or social pressure. This boldness is a gift of the Holy Spirit, often in response to prayer.
- as I ought to speak (ὡς δεῖ με λαλῆσαι, hōs dei me lalēsai): "As it is necessary for me to speak" or "as I must speak." This conveys a divine compulsion or obligation. It's not a suggestion but a necessity, a divine imperative for Paul. He recognizes that his message must be delivered in a specific manner—boldly and faithfully—because it aligns with God's will and the weight of the gospel message itself. His "ought" comes from divine appointment, not personal preference or human expectation.
Ephesians 6 20 Bonus section
- Paradox of Chains and Liberty: The juxtaposition of "in chains" and "speak boldly" creates a powerful theological paradox. Paul's physical chains do not restrict the freedom of the Gospel message. In fact, his imprisonment often provided unexpected platforms for proclaiming Christ (e.g., to the Roman guard, as hinted in Phil 1:13). The chains serve as a visible sign of his commitment and the cost of the Gospel, which could ironically give more weight to his message.
- A Call for Prayer (v.19 implied): While verse 20 states his identity and purpose, it functions as the specific "what" of the prayer request initiated in verse 19. It reminds us that even seasoned apostles like Paul depended on the prayers of others for the spiritual strength to fulfill their ministry. This models intercession for those who proclaim God's Word, emphasizing that spiritual effectiveness is a result of divine enablement in response to communal prayer.
- The Nature of the Gospel's "Mystery": The "mystery of the gospel" (v.19, echoing Eph 3:3-6) refers to God's previously hidden plan now revealed in Christ—especially that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel through the gospel. Speaking this mystery "boldly" means not watering down this profound, inclusive truth, which might have been offensive to some Jewish ears, or radical to Roman hierarchies.
Ephesians 6 20 Commentary
Ephesians 6:20 offers a profound glimpse into Paul's missionary identity and mindset. He is a paradox: an "ambassador" – a representative of the most high God – yet simultaneously "in chains" – a prisoner of Rome. This image dramatically contrasts worldly power with divine authority, showcasing how God works through seemingly weak vessels. Despite his physical bondage, Paul’s chief concern is not his personal comfort or liberation, but the free and fearless proclamation of the "mystery of the gospel." His request for prayer for boldness (Greek parrhesia) reveals his human need for divine empowerment to fulfill this vital role. It implies that true boldness is not innate courage but a Spirit-given confidence to declare truth without compromise, even in the face of threats or inconvenience. This boldness is crucial because the gospel must be presented accurately and clearly. Paul is driven by a deep conviction that he must speak this way, understanding it as his solemn duty and divine imperative. This highlights that Gospel ministry is a sacred obligation, to be performed with integrity and spiritual courage, no matter the circumstances. This principle encourages believers to recognize their own call to ambassadorship for Christ in their contexts, relying on prayer for the Spirit’s empowerment to speak His truth boldly when required.