Ephesians 6:20 (ASV)

Passage

for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Nearby Context

Ephesians 6:18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:19 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,

Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:21 But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Ephesians 6:22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "ambassador", "chains", "speak", "boldly", and "ought". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "ambassador" and "chains", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 19's "And on my behalf that utterance may..." into verse 21's "But that ye also may know my...", so "ambassador" and "chains" belong inside that flow. In Ephesians context, the local focus is grace, union with Christ, the church, and new creation.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "ambassador" and "chains" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.