John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 3:13

"Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory." — Ephesians 3:13 (ASV)

Wherefore I desire. His reason for previously alluding to his imprisonment is now clear. It was to prevent them from being discouraged when they heard of his persecution. O heroic spirit, which drew comfort from a prison and from death itself for those who were not in danger!

He says that he endured tribulations for the Ephesians because they tended to promote the edification of all the godly. How powerfully is the faith of the people confirmed when a pastor does not hesitate to seal his doctrine with the surrender of his life! And accordingly he adds, which is your glory. Such luster was thrown around his instructions that all the churches among whom he had labored had good reason to glory when they witnessed their faith ratified by the best of all pledges.