John Calvin 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)

And for me. For himself, in a particular manner, he urges the Ephesians to pray. From this, we infer that there is no one so richly endowed with gifts as not to need this kind of assistance from his fellow believers, as long as he remains in this world. Who will ever be better entitled to plead exemption from this necessity than Paul?

Yet he earnestly asks for the prayers of his fellow believers, not hypocritically, but from a sincere desire for their help. And what does he wish that they should ask for him? That utterance may be given to me.

What then? Was he habitually mute, or did fear restrain him from making an open profession of the gospel? By no means; but there was reason to fear that his splendid beginning might not be sustained by his future progress.

Besides, his zeal for proclaiming the gospel was so fervent that he was never satisfied with his efforts. Indeed, if we consider the weight and importance of the subject, we will all acknowledge that we are very far from being able to handle it in a proper manner. Accordingly, he adds,