So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
13. Wherefore I desire. His reason for alluding formerly to his imprisonment is now manifest. It was to prevent them from being discouraged when they heard of his persecution. “The original word ἐκκακεῖν signifies ‘to behave like a coward, and through fear to desert the post of battle.’” — Chandler. O heroic breast, which drew from a prison, and from death itself, comfort to those who were not in danger!
Here we have the account which Paul gives the Ephesians concerning himself, as he was appointed by God the apostle of the Gentiles. I. We may observe that he acquaints them with the tribulations and sufferings which he endured in the discharge of that office, Eph 3:1. The first clause refers to the preceding chapter, and may be understood either of these two ways: - 1.
Commenting on Ephesians 3:1-13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you,.... The apostle was a man attended with many tribulations, and great afflictions, which he did not suffer as an evildoer, either from God or men; wherefore he was not ashamed of them, but gloried in them; yea, he took pleasure in them, having much of the presence of God in them; they did...