Ephesians 6:20
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
American King James Version (AKJV)
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
American Standard Version (ASV)
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For which I am a representative in chains, and that I may say without fear the things which it is right for me to say.
Webster's Revision
For which I am an embassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
World English Bible
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
English Revised Version (ERV)
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Definitions for Ephesians 6:20
Clarke's Ephesians 6:20 Bible Commentary
An ambassador in bonds - An ambassador being the representative of his king, his person was in all civilized countries held sacred. Contrary to the rights of nations, this ambassador of the King of heaven was put in chains! He had however the opportunity of defending himself, and of vindicating the honor of his Master. See above.
As I ought to speak - As becomes the dignity and the importance of the subject.
Barnes's Ephesians 6:20 Bible Commentary
For which I am an ambassador in bonds - In chains (see the margin); or in confinement. There is something especially touching in this. He was "an ambassador" - sent to proclaim peace to a lost world. But he was now in chains. An ambassador is a sacred character. No greater affront can be given to a nation than to put its ambassadors to death, or even to throw them into prison. But Paul says here that the unusual spectacle was witnessed of an ambassador seized, bound, confined, imprisoned; an ambassador who ought to have the privileges conceded to all such people, and to be permitted to go everywhere publishing the terms of mercy and salvation. See the word "ambassador" explained in the notes on 2 Corinthians 5:20.
That therein - Margin, or "thereof." Greek, ἐν αὐτῷ en autō - "in it;" that is, says Rosenmuller, in the gospel. It means that in speaking the gospel he might be bold.
I may speak boldly - Openly, plainly, without fear; see the notes on Acts 4:13; Acts 9:27, note; Acts 13:46, note; Acts 14:3, note; Acts 18:26, note; Acts 19:8, note; Acts 26:26, note.
As I ought to speak - Whether in bonds or at large. Paul felt that the gospel ought always to be Spoken with plainness, and without the fear of man. It is remarkable that he did not ask them to pray that he might be released. "Why" he did not we do not know; but perhaps the desire of release did not lie so near his heart as the duty of speaking the gospel with boldness It may be of much more importance that we perform our duty aright when we are afflicted, or are in trouble, than that we should be released.
Wesley's Ephesians 6:20 Bible Commentary
6:20 An ambassador in bonds - The ambassadors of men usually appear in great pomp. How differently does the ambassador of Christ appear!