Ephesians 3:13

Wherefore In view of the facts just recited; the welcome of Gentile believers into the true Israel, the Body of Christ, "according to the purpose of the ages," for the instruction of holy angels, and for the saints" own joy in intimacy with the Father. In the propagation of such a Gospel the messenger might well be willing to suffer for the sake of the converts; and they in their turn might well not be discouraged when they saw him suffer for them. These sufferings, far from indicating defeat or failure, were "their glory," proofs that their Lord thought their incorporation into Himself worththe severest conflicts and sorrows of an Apostle. Yet the intense community of love between converts and Apostle might still tempt them to depression; and hence this request, so generous and tender.

I desire I. e. probably, "I desire you;I ask as a boon from you." It is possible to explain the words of a prayer to God;but the Gr. construction does not favour this, and the much stronger phrase for prayer in the next verseis also against it. See further just below.

faint The same word as that e.g.Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:16. The idea is relaxation and cessation of effort under weariness or pain.

It is possible to explain this clause (as R. V. margin) "that Ifaint not"; for the pronoun is not expressed. (In that case we should also, of course, explain "I desire," just above, of prayer to God.) But against this view lie the thoughts that the words, "which is yourglory," would thus lose point, and, even more, that such a prayer would be a discord in a passage so full of exultation and love, while the received explanation forms on the contrary a rich and true concord in it.

your glory See last note but two.