Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 6:19

"And on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel," — Ephesians 6:19 (ASV)

In other letters Paul asks his readers to remember him in their prayers. He recognizes his own dependency upon their intercessions despite his apostolic calling. He knows that only through what God himself supplies can he hope to fulfill his appointed ministry. So he invites his readers to pray that the gift of ready speech may be bestowed on him. To “open [one’s] mouth” is a common phrase for making a public address or a long defense.

“Fearlessly” (GK 4244, repeated in a verbal form in v.20) is attached to “make known.” As a favorite word of Paul, it means frankness and uninhibited openness of speech. Being “an ambassador in chains” (v.20), the apostle no doubt is thinking especially of his upcoming appearance before the imperial authorities—perhaps even the emperor himself—when he would have the opportunity to reveal the secret of the gospel. He had been chosen to carry the name of Jesus “before the Gentiles and their kings” (Acts 9:15), and this defense in Rome was to be the climax of his distinctive ministry. Meanwhile, as he awaited his trial, he wanted to make the most of every occasion that could be capitalized in the interests of the kingdom (cf. Acts 28:31).