and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Ephesians 6:19
What does Ephesians 6:19 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Ephesians 6:19
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul asks for prayer not just for courage, but specifically for God to give him the right words to speak at the right time. This highlights that boldness in sharing the gospel isn't just a personality trait, but a divinely enabled gift meant to reveal God's profound, hidden plan.
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, currently imprisoned in Rome, concludes his letter by asking the Ephesians to pray not just for all believers, but specifically for him. He requests their prayers that he might be given the right words and the boldness to clearly proclaim the profound mystery of the gospel, even while facing his trials. This request directly follows his extensive instruction on spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer, highlighting how vital it is for believers to intercede for those on the front lines of ministry, especially when facing opposition or confinement.
Even the most seasoned apostles like Paul recognized their need for divine assistance to speak the truth.
Paul, though an apostle and a prisoner, specifically requested prayer for boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This wasn't about a lack of courage, but a recognition that true boldness and effective communication of God's message come from God Himself. He knew that opening his mouth to speak the profound truths of the gospel required divine enablement. This shows us that we, too, should pray for boldness, not just for ourselves but for all who share the gospel, recognizing that it is God who grants the 'utterance' needed for His message.
Why did Paul call the gospel a 'mystery'? What makes it so profound and often difficult to grasp?
The 'mystery of the gospel' refers to the divine plan of salvation, which was hidden in previous ages but is now revealed through Christ. It encompasses the incredible truth that God reconciles humanity to Himself, not by human merit, but through faith in Jesus' sacrifice. This includes the revelation that Gentiles have equal access to God's grace as Jews. Because this is a divine revelation, it requires God's Spirit to truly understand and proclaim, which is why Paul asked for boldness and the right 'words' to convey it.
Paul didn't just want to speak; he wanted to speak 'boldly.' What does this kind of boldness entail?
Ask a follow-up
The boldness Paul sought was not mere human confidence or defiance, but a divinely granted ability to speak God's truth clearly and fearlessly, regardless of the circumstances. He was a prisoner, facing potential judgment, yet he desired to 'open his mouth boldly.' This suggests a freedom from fear of man and a confident reliance on God's power and message. It's the ability to articulate the gospel's profound truths with conviction, knowing that the message itself is powerful and from God, not just from human eloquence.
Understand the original words
mustērion · Greek Noun
The divine revelation of God's redemptive plan, specifically the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant through Christ, which was previously hidden but is now revealed.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' concerning Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, which provides salvation for all who believe.
Paul's request for prayer to proclaim the 'mystery of the gospel' boldly from his Roman imprisonment highlights how divine truth, once a hidden plan, is now revealed in Christ and needs courageous messengers, even when facing unjust confinement.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. Despite his confinement, he is able to receive visitors and preach the gospel.
c. AD 58-60
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
After returning to Jerusalem, Paul is arrested and subsequently imprisoned in Caesarea for several years before being sent to Rome to appeal to Caesar.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
This council addressed whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law, a key issue in the 'mystery of the gospel' Paul proclaimed.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central event of the gospel, the death and resurrection of Jesus, is the 'mystery' Paul was commissioned to proclaim.
Jesus promises His disciples that He will give them 'a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.' This echoes Paul's prayer for God to grant him the right words to speak boldly.
Acts 4:29After Peter and John are threatened, they pray, 'And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.' This shows that praying for boldness in proclaiming the gospel is a consistent theme in the early church.
Colossians 4:3Paul also asks the Colossians to 'pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.' This highlights the shared need for divine opportunity and divine enablement in spreading the gospel.
2 Timothy 4:17Reflecting on his own trials, Paul states that 'the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the nations might hear.' This illustrates how God directly empowers His servants to boldly proclaim His message, even in difficult circumstances.
barnesEphesians 6:19: "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,"
And for me - Paul was then a prisoner at Rome. He specially needed the prayers of Christians: (1) that he might be sustained in his afflictions; and, (2) that he might be able to manifest the spirit which he ought, and to do good as he had opportunity. Learn hence that we should pray for the prisoner, the captive, the man in chains, the slave. There are in…
calvinEphesians 6:14-20: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"
- Stand therefore. Now follows a description of the arms which they were enjoined to wear. We must not, however, inquire very minutely into the meaning of each word; for an allusion to military customs is all that was intended. Nothing can be more idle than the extraordinary pains which some have taken to discover the reason why righteousness is made a breastplate, in…
Paul asks for prayer not just for courage, but specifically for God to give him the right words to speak at the right time. This highlights that boldness in sharing the gospel isn't just a personality trait, but a divinely enabled gift meant to reveal God's profound, hidden plan.
Paul, currently imprisoned in Rome, concludes his letter by asking the Ephesians to pray not just for all believers, but specifically for him. He requests their prayers that he might be given the right words and the boldness to clearly proclaim the profound mystery of the gospel, even while facing his trials. This request directly follows his extensive instruction on spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer, highlighting how vital it is for believers to intercede for those on the front lines of ministry, especially when facing opposition or confinement.
Paul, currently imprisoned in Rome, concludes his letter by asking the Ephesians to pray not just for all believers, but specifically for him. He requests their prayers that he might be given the right words and the boldness to clearly proclaim the profound mystery of the gospel, even while facing his trials. This request directly follows his extensive instruction on spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer, highlighting how vital it is for believers to intercede for those on the front lines of ministry, especially when facing opposition or confinement.
"and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel," — Paul asks for prayer not just for courage, but specifically for God to give him the right words to speak at the right time. This highlights that boldness in sharing the gospel isn't just a personal…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026