Bible Strands
Ephesians 3:1
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Gentile believers as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, situating his current confinement within the immediate context of the stewardship of grace he has just described.
The words — The opening phrase Τούτου χάριν (Toutou charin) literally renders "because of this," while δέσμιος (desmios) explicitly identifies Paul's status as a prisoner.
The thread — Paul's confinement recurs in Ephesians 4:1 as a "prisoner in the Lord," while Colossians 1:24 references his sufferings and Ephesians 6:20 describes him as an "ambassador in chains."
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that Paul's physical restraint is directly tied to his commissioned role among the Gentiles.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Cross-references
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
- Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
- Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- Philippians 1:13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
- Luke 21:12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.
- Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- Philemon 1:9 I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.
- Acts 23:18 So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”
- Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,