Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's request for prayer — 'that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel' — inverts the expected apostolic posture: the one who has been instructing the churches solicits prayer support for the courage and words that his own ministry requires. The request models the communal dependency that the epistle has established for the body of Christ (4:15-16): even the apostle requires the prayers of the community rather than operating in independence. 'Boldly' (en parresia — with frank, fearless speech) is the characteristic apostolic virtue and a recurring note in Acts' description of Peter and Paul's proclamation. The verse is significant for prayer theology: the mystery of the gospel requires both the right words and the courage to use them, and both are requested as gifts from God through the intercession of the community.
Other Translations
and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
and in behalf of me, that to me may be given a word in the opening of my mouth, in freedom, to make known the secret of the good news,
And for me, that words may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make clear without fear the secret of the good news,
Cross References
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave …
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they …
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with …
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord …
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about …
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been …
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and …
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto …
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things …