Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 6:20

"for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." — Ephesians 6:20 (ASV)

Because of his faithfulness in preaching the Good News, Paul has been placed under house arrest. He is an ambassador on behalf of Christ, and yet paradoxically he is in chains. Ambassadors normally enjoyed diplomatic immunity, but Paul would be compelled to appear in the imperial court as a prisoner. Instead of wearing a golden chain of office he would be shackled to his guard (Acts 28:20; 2 Timothy 1:16). Once again, Paul says that he is counting on the prayers of the church so that he might speak out boldly “the mystery of the gospel” (v.19). “As I should” (Colossians 4:4) is not only “as it is incumbent upon me” but “in the way I ought.”