For me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. – Ephesians 6:19
It is said that the guards chained to Paul in the prison in Rome had to be changed often because he never ceased to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to them. Many had heart-changing experiences. Paul’s request to the Ephesian Christians, and their response, no doubt affected his effectiveness in explaining what had happened just 30 or so years before… ”the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19).
Remember Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; when He was sorrowful and troubled, He took Peter, James and John further into the Garden so they could watch and pray with Him. But they fell asleep instead. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:40-41). In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he gives much the same warning, but he instructs them in the manner in which they are to protect themselves against the schemes of the devil. They are to put on the armor of God. However, there is more. Most importantly they are to pray at all times in the Spirit, keeping alert with all perseverance in their supplications for the saints and for Paul himself (Ephesians 6:18).
Paul knew that the prayers of fellow believers could result in confidence on his part to deliver the message of the Gospel to all those who needed to hear. The Spirit would give him the power and the boldness he would need to be effectual. Wonderfully, He will do the same for you. So boldly pray now with confidence for the leaders of this nation. May they not be diverted by schemes of the devil, but let them serve the Lord with Spirit-given power for this country.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:19
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 28:17-31
After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
