Ephesians 6:19-20
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Paul asks for prayer not just for general boldness, but specifically for God to give him the words to speak, recognizing that proclaiming the "mystery of the gospel" requires divine enablement, not just human courage. This highlights that bold speech for God isn't just about guts, but about receiving and relaying God's specific message.
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, currently imprisoned, asks the Ephesians to specifically pray for him. He desires their prayers so that he can speak with boldness and clarity about the gospel, especially given his circumstances and the importance of proclaiming this message to the world. This request comes as a direct follow-up to his exhortation for Christians to stand firm in spiritual warfare and to pray constantly for all believers.
Paul, the seasoned apostle, asked for prayer to speak boldly. Why would someone so experienced need this specific request?
Paul wasn't asking for mere permission to speak, but for a divine enablement. He desired that God Himself would provide the logos – the right word, the inspired message – at the very moment he opened his mouth.
This wasn't about overcoming personal shyness. It was about ensuring his message was God's message, delivered with the Holy Spirit's power. Think of Jesus' promise to the disciples: 'It will be given to you in that hour what to speak' (Matthew 10:19). Paul was asking for that same Spirit-led empowerment.
Paul calls the gospel a 'mystery.' What does that mean, and why does proclaiming it require boldness?
The 'mystery of the gospel' refers to the previously hidden, but now revealed, truth that God's salvation is for all people, Gentiles included, through Jesus Christ. This was a radical concept in Paul's day, shattering old divisions.
Proclaiming this 'mystery' demanded boldness because it challenged the established religious and social order. It wasn't a comfortable, easy message. It required courage to declare that God's grace was available to everyone, regardless of their background, and that Jesus was Lord over all.
Paul, an apostle facing imprisonment, specifically asks for prayer. What does this reveal about spiritual warfare and community?
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Paul, even in his chains and facing immense challenges, recognized his need for the prayers of believers. He understood that spiritual battles are often fought and won through the intercession of the body of Christ.
His request isn't a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of interdependence in faith. It highlights that no one, not even an apostle, is meant to stand alone. Our prayers for one another are vital tools in God's hands, enabling His servants to stand firm and speak His truth, especially in difficult circumstances.
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.
presbeuō · Greek Noun
An authorized representative or messenger sent by a ruler; here it signifies a representative of Christ tasked with delivering His message to the world.
Paul’s request for prayer to speak boldly about the gospel during his Roman imprisonment highlights the immense pressure and risk involved in proclaiming truth in the heart of the empire, where his audience included powerful figures and potentially hostile listeners.
c. AD 58
Paul Imprisoned in Caesarea
Paul was imprisoned for two years in Caesarea due to accusations by Jewish leaders. During this time, he was able to have contact with believers and likely continued to write letters, though his movement was restricted.
c. AD 60
Paul Appeals to Caesar
Following his imprisonment in Caesarea, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Emperor Nero in Rome. This marks the beginning of his journey to the capital of the Roman Empire.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Under house arrest in Rome, Paul was chained but allowed to receive visitors. This period, while restrictive, provided opportunities for him to preach the gospel and write significant letters, including Ephesians.
c. AD 62
Paul's Trial and Release (Anticipated)
Paul anticipates his trial before Caesar. He asks for prayers to speak boldly about the gospel, believing his situation will ultimately advance the cause of Christ, possibly leading to his release.
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,' directly echoing Paul's prayer for divinely-given utterance to speak boldly.
Acts 4:29Peter and John, after being threatened by the authorities, pray not for their own safety but that they might continue to 'speak your word with all boldness,' mirroring Paul's desire to proclaim the gospel fearlessly.
2 Corinthians 3:12Paul describes his ministry with 'great boldness,' showing the confidence and open speech that he sought God to grant him, as he asks for in Ephesians.
Colossians 4:3In a similar pastoral letter, Paul asks believers to 'pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ,' highlighting the consistent need for prayer for boldness and opportunity in ministry.
1 Timothy 1:11-12Paul reflects on his calling and ministry, stating he was appointed a 'preacher and apostle and teacher,' and expresses his gratitude for Christ who 'counted me faithful, appointing me to this ministry,' affirming that such a role, requiring boldness, is a divine appointment and gift.
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 general boldness, but specifically for God to give him the words to speak, recognizing that proclaiming the "mystery of the gospel" requires divine enablement, not just human courage. This highlights that bold speech for God isn't just about guts, but about receiving and relaying God's specific message.
Paul, currently imprisoned, asks the Ephesians to specifically pray for him. He desires their prayers so that he can speak with boldness and clarity about the gospel, especially given his circumstances and the importance of proclaiming this message to the world. This request comes as a direct follow-up to his exhortation for Christians to stand firm in spiritual warfare and to pray constantly for all believers.
Paul, currently imprisoned, asks the Ephesians to specifically pray for him. He desires their prayers so that he can speak with boldness and clarity about the gospel, especially given his circumstances and the importance of proclaiming this message to the world. This request comes as a direct follow-up to his exhortation for Christians to stand firm in spiritual warfare and to pray constantly for all believers.
"and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." — Paul asks for prayer not just for general boldness, but specifically for God to give him the words to speak, recognizing that proclaiming the "mystery of the gospel" requires divine enablement, not…
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Last reviewed October 2026
