For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that
therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul
considered himself and ambassador (representative) of the mystery of the Gospel
(considering Ephesians 3, particularly the mystery of the Gospel to the Gentiles).
This is the second time Paul mentions boldness.
Examples
of boldness:
"Then Peter, filled with
the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what
means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of
Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom
God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you
whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for
there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge
of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:8-13)
"And now, Lord, behold
their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they
may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and
wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30)
"And when they had
prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with
boldness."
(Acts 4:31)
"According to the eternal
purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness
and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:11-12)
Boldness
comes by the filling of the Holy Ghost. Boldness is granted by prayer. One
cannot decide, "I'm going to be bold for Christ." Rather, it comes by
following as Christ leads, granted as an answer to prayer for boldness. Do I
pray for boldness? (for myself and others) Do I pray that God would help me
(and others) to speak as He would have us to speak?
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