Ephesians 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,

Ephesians 6:19 (KJV)

Context

Ephesians 6:19 is part of the Apostle Paul’s concluding remarks in his letter to the Ephesians. In the preceding verses, Paul exhorts believers to put on the whole armour of God and stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil. In verse 18, he encourages them to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. In verse 19, Paul requests prayer for himself to boldly proclaim the gospel.

Meaning

Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that utterance may be given to him. This indicates his desire for effective and powerful communication of the gospel. Despite being an apostle, Paul recognises the need for divine enablement in speaking boldly and clearly. His request reveals his dependence on the prayers of other believers and his sense of the greatness of the work of the ministry.

Paul’s specific request is to make known the mystery of the gospel. In the New Testament, the term “mystery” often refers to a truth previously hidden but now revealed through Christ. The gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, which was not fully understood in the Old Testament but was made known in the New Testament. The mystery includes the person, offices, and grace of Christ—such as his divine and eternal sonship, his incarnation, the union of two natures in his person, and redemption by his blood.

Paul’s desire is to open his mouth boldly to declare the gospel. He seeks the courage and confidence to fearlessly proclaim the message of salvation, despite facing opposition, persecution, or challenges. His request for boldness is not for personal advancement but to make known this mystery. This shows Paul’s great humility and his recognition that even the more superior members need the assistance of others.

Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of prayer in the ministry of sharing the gospel. It highlights the need for believers to intercede for those who are actively involved in spreading the good news. We can draw several practical lessons from this verse:

• Recognise our dependence on God: Like Paul, we should acknowledge our need for God’s empowerment in proclaiming the gospel. It is not merely about our eloquence or abilities but about relying on the Holy Spirit to work through us.

• Boldness in sharing: We should strive for boldness in sharing our faith, regardless of the circumstances or potential opposition. The world needs to hear the message of salvation, and we should not shy away from proclaiming it confidently.

• Prayer for others: Just as Paul requested prayer from the Ephesians, we should also pray for those engaged in ministry. We can intercede for pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and all who are actively involved in making Christ known. Our prayers can make a significant impact on their effectiveness and boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

• Commitment to the gospel: Ephesians 6:19 reminds us of the central importance of the gospel in our lives. We should be committed to making known the message of salvation, both in our words and actions, and strive to be effective ambassadors for Christ.

This verse is not only relevant to Paul’s context but also holds timeless truths for Christians today. It encourages us to seek God’s help, embrace boldness in sharing the gospel, and support others through prayer.