For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Read it in contextThe armour of God
Start reading at Ephesians 6:10 (Ephesians 6:10 to Ephesians 6:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The church is called to stand against spiritual opposition through God's provision, remaining alert in prayer for the saints and gospel witness.
6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
6:19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 6:1–6:24): Paul addresses children, fathers, servants, and masters in turn, then instructs all the believers about spiritual resistance and prayer. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The armour of God. Read Ephesians 6:10 through Ephesians 6:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The church is called to stand against spiritual opposition through God's provision, remaining alert in prayer for the saints and gospel witness. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The armour of God (Ephesians 6:10 to Ephesians 6:20).
Start reading at Ephesians 6:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholeThe household instructions continue by addressing both sides of each relationship and placing conduct under the Lord's authority.
Connection to the wholeThe church is called to stand against spiritual opposition through God's provision, remaining alert in prayer for the saints and gospel witness.
Connection to the wholeThe personal arrangements and blessing connect the exhortations to continuing care and fellowship among the churches.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.