Not Fainting at Paul's Tribulations Ephesians 3:13

Paul the apostle declared to the Ephesian church members how they had obtained “boldness and access” to God through the “faith of” Jesus Christ, and because of this, in chapter three and verse thirteen of his letter Paul shared how the Ephesians should not “faint” at his “tribulations for” them. We read:

Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

The verse begins, “Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you,...” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” which means “on account of, consequently, for which cause and therefore” and causes us to remember what was written before it “I desire” or “Paul asks, begs, requires, craves and calls for” “that you faint not” which means “not be utterly spiritless, wearied out or exhausted” “at my tribulations” or “pressings, oppressions, afflictions, distresses and straits” “for you” which refers to the Ephesian church members. Because Paul and the Ephesians were given “boldness and access” to God through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for their sins, he did not want the Ephesians being “wearied” over the many “oppressions and afflictions” he endured on their behalf.

The verse goes on to say, “...which is your glory.” Paul continued with the phrase “which is your” which refers to the Ephesian church members “glory” which means “honor, praise, dignity and worship”. Because Paul endured hardships and suffering to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Ephesians, they were saved from damnation to come and brought into a relationship with God.

When we consider these words of Paul, we note the Ephesian's care and concern for Paul's afflictions. They knew it was on their behalf that Paul suffered as he shared the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Though they were grieved in heart, Paul's suffering meant Salvation for them. The gospel of Jesus Christ and the sharing of it has never promised there would be no suffering attached. If this were so, Jesus Himself would not have suffered, and yet, we have the privilege of knowing that the “afflictions” endured by those spreading the gospel has become our “glory” as well. May we ever be mindful of the writing in the book of Hebrews in chapter two and verse nine: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Next time Paul shares why he bows his “knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.