What is the meaning of Ephesians 6:19? Pray also for me Paul, the seasoned apostle, humbly asks believers to intercede for him. Though he has already urged them to “pray in the Spirit at all times” (Ephesians 6:18), he slips in a personal request. • 1 Thessalonians 5:25—“Brothers, pray for us.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:1—“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly.” Across his letters Paul consistently leans on the prayers of the saints, modeling mutual dependence within Christ’s body. that whenever I open my mouth The phrase looks to every opportunity, not merely scheduled sermons. Whether before rulers (Acts 26) or a household slave, Paul wants every opening of his lips to serve Christ. • Acts 14:27—after returning from mission, Paul and Barnabas “reported all that God had done… and how He had opened a door of faith.” • Colossians 4:3-4—he asks for prayer “that God may open to us a door for the word… that I may proclaim it clearly.” words may be given me Paul does not trust in eloquence but in God’s supply. True gospel speech is Spirit-prompted. • Luke 12:11-12—Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you should say.” • 1 Corinthians 2:4-5—Paul’s message came “not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” The request underlines dependence: God must furnish both opportunity and vocabulary. so that I will boldly Boldness (Greek parrēsia) marks Spirit-filled witness. Paul values courage more than comfort. • Acts 4:29-31—the early church prays, “enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,” and they are “all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” • 2 Timothy 1:7-8—“God has not given us a spirit of timidity… So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” Fearless proclamation glorifies Christ and emboldens others (Philippians 1:14). make known The gospel must be communicated, not concealed. Paul aims for clarity that leads to faith. • Romans 10:14—“How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?” • 2 Corinthians 4:5—“For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.” Faithful evangelism turns mystery into revealed truth for the hearer. the mystery of the gospel “Mystery” refers to a truth once hidden but now unveiled: Jew and Gentile reconciled to God in Christ (Ephesians 3:6). • Romans 16:25-26—“the revelation of the mystery hidden for ages past but now revealed.” • Colossians 1:26-27—“the mystery that was hidden for ages… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Paul’s passion is to unfold this unveiled secret so that sinners are saved and saints are strengthened. summary Ephesians 6:19 shows Paul, already clad in spiritual armor, leaning on prayer. He seeks God-supplied words, Spirit-borne boldness, and open doors to unveil the once-hidden gospel. His example reminds believers today to intercede for gospel workers and to depend wholly on the Spirit whenever we “open our mouths.” |
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