¹⁹ … and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Segueing from prayer as the armament overlay for spiritual battle, Paul transitions to a personal prayer request. He is beginning to wind down his letter to the Ephesians and, as is his custom, he closes with a few personal remarks. In these few comments, though, we gain significant insight into his ministry.Paul sees his ministry as something coming from the Lord. Peter echoes this idea when he wrote, “… Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11a). Paul was very aware that he could not preach the gospel apart from God’s enabling. And he recognizes the need for others to pray for him in this regard. The temptation is strong to preach the words of man and not the words of God.And he was very aware of his weakness. When you consider how much he suffered for the gospel, several beatings, shipwreck, hunger, ridicule (see 2 Cor 4:7-11, 7:5, 11:23-27), it is no wonder he asks for prayer! Even as he wrote, he was in chains (vs. 20)! It was not easy being an apostle. But, the good news of the mystery was worth sacrificing for. Remember – the mystery which he had the privilege of sharing is that all people can come to the God of Israel, without having to go through the Mosaic Law. The way is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9).

Clearly, Paul sets for us an example of the Christian’s self-identity. He was never confused about his role. He was Christ’s ambassador. He lived his life as a representative of another. He wrote to the Corinthians, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). Whatever we do, we represent Christ, whether at our work place, with extended family or in our neighborhoods.

The gospel is not just for telling, but for boldly proclaiming. The armor of God is not so that we huddle together in a defensive posture to protect ourselves. The armor is there to prevent any hindrances to our going forward with great courage with the gospel message to the lost. This means actively sharing the message even when people resist it and we suffer social tensions and spiritual barriers. We are equipped to take the offensive in this battle!