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”

“And on my behalf”: Pray for me too! “He was wise enough to know his own need of strength if he was to stand against the enemy, and humble enough to ask his friends to pray with him and for him” (Stott p. 284). Christians need to be impressed with the fact that an apostle requested the prayers of "ordinary" members. God hears the prayers of the Christian, just as He heard the prayers of the prophets (James 5:16). “That”: The specific request. “Utterance may be given unto me”: “So that. may fearlessly make known” (TCNT). “So that, outspoken and fearless” (Wey). Paul realized that he was not immune from the temptation to "tone down" the message or remain silent (1 Corinthians 9:24). “He had not left the battlefield now that he was under house arrest and unable to continue his missionary expeditions” (Stott p. 285) (Acts 28:17; Acts 28:23; Acts 28:30). Often some Christians think that they cannot do anything productive for God, because they are in "hard" circumstances or their physical health is poor, but look at Paul. He continued to influence people, even though his "access" to people was limited. Consider what prayers Paul did not request. “Paul is not so much asking for prayer concerning his personal welfare. He is not asking for God to release him from jail or even that God protect him from sin” (Caldwell p. 320). “Freedom is what he longs for--not freedom from confinement, but freedom to preach the gospel” (Stott p. 285).