Ephesians 6:19-20 - Homilies By T. Croskery

Prayer for an ambassador in bonds.

The apostle feels his need of the prayers of the saints, because he has a true appreciation of the difficulty and importance of his work.

I. THE BLESSING HE ASKS FOR . It is no temporal blessing, not even release from imprisonment that he might more widely preach the gospel. It is simply that "utterance might be given to him" to preach the mystery of the gospel with boldness. This implies:

II. A DOUBLE ARGUMENT TO BESPEAK AN AFFECTIONATE INTEREST IN THEIR PRAYERS .

"For which I am an ambassador in bonds."

1. He was an ambassador . The apostle never forgets the dignity of his office. He knows he is the representative of a great King, though he is immured in Roman prisons. Ministers are Christ's ambassadors. "We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ).

2. He was an ambassador in bonds . The ambassadors of earthly sovereigns come with pomp and splendor. Their persons are sacred and inviolable; to touch them is to declare war. But this ambassador of Christ is in prison and afflicted. Brave ambassador in bonds! He is worthy of the prayers of the saints.—T.C.