Bible Strands
Ephesians 6:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing from a Roman prison to the church at Ephesus, asks them to pray for his ability to proclaim the gospel. He is physically chained at the moment of writing.
The words — πρεσβεύω (presbeuō) is a diplomatic term: "I conduct ambassadorship," not merely "I represent." The dative ἁλύσει (halusei) is singular — "in a chain," not a general state of imprisonment.
The thread — The ambassador language echoes 2 Corinthians 5:20 ("ambassadors for Christ"). Colossians 4:4 carries the same prayer ("that I may declare it clearly, as I should"), and 2 Timothy 2:9 pairs the chains with the unchainable word of God.
Why it lands — The verse is a direct request: pray so that a prisoner can speak the gospel without fear. It places the reader in the role of one whose prayer sustains a specific act of proclamation.
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 which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
- Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
- 2 Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2 As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
- Acts 26:29 “Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
- 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.
- Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
- 1 John 3:16 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
- Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
- Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.