Bible Strands
Ephesians 3:13
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Ephesian believers, moving from his declaration of their bold access to God into a direct appeal regarding his current imprisonment. He issues this command immediately before bowing his knees to the Father in prayer.
The words — The text explicitly commands the readers not to lose heart (ἐγκακεῖν, egkakein) over Paul’s tribulations (θλίψεσίν, thlipsesin). These Greek terms describe a collapse of courage under pressure rather than the mere experience of physical pain.
The thread — The warning against spiritual fatigue aligns with Isaiah 40:30, where youths grow tired and stumble, and 2 Thessalonians 3:13, which instructs believers not to grow weary in well-doing. Colossians 1:24 provides a contrasting posture, showing Paul rejoicing in his afflictions rather than fearing them.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to reject discouragement when observing a leader’s suffering, stating plainly that such trials produce the community’s glory. It demands a practical shift from personal comfort to recognizing the spiritual benefit of another’s endurance.
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
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Cross-references
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
- 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.
- Isaiah 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.
- 2 Corinthians 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
- Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
- Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.
- Deuteronomy 20:3 saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.
- Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Zephaniah 3:16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
- Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.