For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

EPHESIANS 6:20KJV
Know the Bible

Ephesians 6:20 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 6:20 mean?

Ephesians 6:20 describes Paul calling himself an "ambassador in bonds," meaning he represents Christ even while imprisoned, and asks for the ability to speak boldly about the gospel as he should. Paul wants to fulfill his role by sharing the message of Jesus openly and courageously, despite his chains.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Ephesus while he is under arrest, likely in Rome. By calling himself an ambassador, Paul uses the image of a royal messenger, but he is unusual because he is in chains rather than honored. His request to speak "boldly" shows that even Paul, a leader, feels the need for courage to share his faith in difficult circumstances.

The Greek behind Ephesians 6:20

  • πρεσβεύω (presbeuō, "ambassador"): This word means to act as an official representative. Paul uses it to show his role is to represent Christ, even though he is not free.
  • ἐν ἁλύσει (en halysei, "in bonds"): This phrase means "in chains" or "in imprisonment." Paul highlights that his status as a prisoner does not cancel his responsibility or privilege to speak for Christ.
  • παρρησιάζομαι (parrēsiazomai, "speak boldly"): This word means to speak openly, fearlessly, or with confidence. Paul is not just asking to speak, but to do so without holding back, even when it is risky.

Why Ephesians 6:20 matters

  • Ephesians 6:20 clears up the idea that being in difficult or humiliating circumstances, like prison, disqualifies someone from serving as Christ’s representative.
  • The verse emphasizes that boldness in sharing the gospel is not automatic, even for leaders like Paul; it is something that requires prayer and God’s help.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage about spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10–20), showing that the struggle is not just about personal faith but also about courageously sharing the message of Jesus under pressure.

Where else these words appear

“ambassador” Greek G4243 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

“boldly” Greek G3955 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
  • Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
  • Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

“bonds” Greek G254 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

“ought” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.