Ephesians 6:18-24

18: With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19: and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20: for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21: But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22: I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23: Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24: Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

*** 

Paul had been describing the armor of God believers are to put on to stand firm against the spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. We saw that this armor consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Here he continued by adding prayer and petition at all times in the Spirit. Prayer is a very important part of the armor—especially prayer in the Spirit. He said, “with this in view,” or, considering all this, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Stay on guard, not just for your own life, but for all the saints.

The armor is both protective and offensive—we are to wear the protective armor and go on the offensive against the enemy, for others as well as ourselves. We are to be alert and persevere for all the saints. This thought leads Paul into asking for prayer for himself so he may speak the gospel boldly—the very reason why he was in prison when he wrote this.

Paul’s prayer request to the Ephesians was not for comfort or any personal need, but simply to speak the Word boldly as he ought to. He wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity to preach the gospel to those in authority. He told them that Tychicus would let them know how he was doing otherwise.

He closed by sending peace and love with faith to the brethren from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He sent grace to those who loved the Lord with incorruptible love.



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