In his letter to the Christians at Ephesus Paul encouraged them to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). And then he told them to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. . . making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20).
Paul wrote from imprisonment. The book of Acts tells us of two imprisonments of length, Caesarea (24:27) and Rome (28:30), as well as a night in prison in Phillipi with Silas after they were beaten with rods (16:23). Paul experienced many imprisonments and beatings (2 Corinthians 11:23).
Paul understood clearly what Jesus meant when He told His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:18-20). Paul had experienced exactly what Jesus described.
Paul wrote to Christian brothers and sisters who had not yet suffered persecution as he had, but Paul knew it was only a matter of time. Persecution is one of Satan’s chief weapons to disarm and discourage believers. So, he instructs the Ephesians to arm themselves for the coming attack. His request of them was prayer that he would remain resolute and “proclaim boldly the mystery of the gospel.”
Like the Ephesians, we have not yet experienced the beatings and imprisonment that accompany the persecution millions of our brothers and sisters face. For some the price of their faith is unspeakable brutality, and for many even death.
Paul made the Ephesians aware of his need, prayer to Father. We have been made aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters. Will you pray? At all times, with all prayers, in all circumstances, with all boldness!
