March 26

Ephesians 6: 19, 20 is a declaration on the part of Paul the Apostle that many would find difficult to make in his situation. Paul was in chains in a Roman dungeon when much of the scripture which is attributed to him was penned. To say that he was on fire for the Lord while under fire from the enemy would indeed be an understatement.

But Paul took no account of his confining circumstances when it came to assuming his responsibility to “peach the gospel to every creature” as the Lord admonished His followers to do. Here Paul declares his full intent to comply with the instruction the Lord left for all those who profess faith in His name.

In this passage, he says, “Pray for me, that I may open my mouth and boldly proclaim the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains—that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.” Paul is not excusing himself from being a witness for the Lord because those around him—the Romans guarding him—are enemies of the gospel. He is not excusing himself because proclaiming Christ is a threat to his already tenuous well-being!

No! Paul is taking the opportunity afforded him by having a captive audience while he is captive! To anyone within ear shot, Paul proclaims the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! If the great apostle seeks prayer that he may boldly declare the gospel of Christ, how much more should we pray for this same empowerment! We, too, no matter what “chains” may bind us, must allow ourselves to seek opportunities to declare Christ to those around us.