“I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in 
 chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should“

Ephesians 6:19b-20 

–

November 21, 2025

Paul was an ambassador in chains, a representative of his Lord while under imperial guard in Rome.  His mission was clear, his life situation incidental.  The man was so captivated by the mystery of the gospel that he recognized no barrier to the proclamation of salvation in Jesus alone.  The gospel had changed everything for Paul, and he had seen it do so for many others throughout the Roman Empire. 

Paul was not controlled by his circumstances.  He was not concerned about his own needs because he had a passion for meeting the greatest need of everyone he encountered.  He was not discouraged by the fact that he was in custody.  Instead, he shared Jesus with his captors.  His attitude and actions were not dictated by those who opposed him, powerful though they were.  He respected authority, but his priority was gospel over government. 

How often do we succumb to the circumstances surrounding our lives, thereby limiting our availability to the Lord?  There are opportunities for each of us, despite our physical or financial condition, that our Lord has set before us.  He plans to use us exactly where we are.  No other believer has the same circle of contacts and life situation as you.  Where do we start?  I suspect Paul awoke each day in chains and began to pray.  We must start in the same way.  God accomplishes His work by prayer. 

The point is not to condemn ourselves for our failure to pray, but to pray.  Paul undoubtedly prayed for the soldiers who stood by him day after day.  He prayed for the church in Rome and other churches scattered throughout the Mediterranean world of his day.  He prayed for individuals to come to Christ and for believers to be strengthened with power to know the love of Christ.  He prayed for church leadership.  He prayed for fellow evangelists traveling around the Roman Empire, sharing the gospel.  He prayed that false teaching would be eliminated from the church.  He prayed that the Holy Spirit would empower believers to take risks to speak of Jesus to family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers.  He prayed that he himself would declare the gospel fearlessly.          

Questions for reflection and discussion: 

  • What “chains” are keeping you from being an ambassador of Christ?  
  • With whom in your circle of contacts could you develop a relationship and tell about Jesus? 
  • Whom outside of your contacts are you praying for that they might hear the gospel and be saved?  

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, November 21: 1 Chronicles 16; James 3 
  • Saturday, November 22: 1 Chronicles 17; James 4 
  • Sunday, November 23: 1 Chronicles 18; James 5