3:13
So in light of the false teachings and ideas Paul urges the Ephesians not to be discouraged because of his sufferings. Paul was suffering for them, and far from being a source of discouragement, they were the Ephesians’ glory. God’s purposes were being achieved partly through Paul’s sufferings.
3:14
“For this reason ...” For what reason? Paul knows that in Christ God has opened up the way for all who have faith to come to know Him. He knows something of the full extent of what God’s purposes are and how these are fulfilled in Christ. So Paul bows his knees before the Father. God having done something, or determined that something will be so, does not induce passivity in us, rather it demands action on our part. Whether that be praying to Him, believing in Him or acting in some way or other, or a combination of all three.
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