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meekly, were it not for grace sufficient; thus the prayer for boldness in Eph. 6: is
largely called forth by the intimidating effect of bonds even upon the most courageous.
So he wrote: "For which I am an ambassador in a chain (or I conduct an embassy in a
chain), that therein (i.e., that in that state of bondage with all its irksomeness and
temptation to purchase a little ease) I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Eph. 6:20).
The parallel passage in Col. 4: 4 uses the word which is the key to this series of
studies, "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak".
In the practical section therefore we have two ways in which the mystery may be
manifested by the people of God: (i) By their domestic relationships and life in the
home; (ii) By a fearless avowal of the truth, in spite of all circumstances.
We make no boast in self, for all we have and are is by grace, but not much
imagination is needed to realize that freedom to speak all that we have seen of the truth of
the mystery has not been without its cost and its temptations, and if twenty-five years of
ministry have left us with few illusions, yet, while we are in this body, we too would
value the prayers of all concerned that in this witness to the mystery we may make it
manifest, as we ought to speak.
#8.
A Ministry of Suffering.
pp. 59 - 62
In one sense, the reference to this manifestation of the mystery (Col. 1: 23-26) was
dealt with when speaking of its close parallel, Eph. 3: On the other hand, who can read
these wondrous words without realizing that the human mind can never fathom their
depths. Therefore, although the ground has, in some measure, already been covered, we
remember that God Himself has seen fit to leave on record for our learning this parallel
passage, and we are sure that recognition of the wisdom that arranged the repetition will
bring with it fuller light and enjoyment.
The reference to the Apostle's "chain" at the close of the last article finds an echo in
this opening reference to his ministry:--
"Whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and
fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake,
which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God
which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath
been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints"
(Col. 1: 23-26).
In all this wealth of language two words seem to cry out for recognition, namely, the
"filling up" of the afflictions of Christ by Paul and the "fulfilling" of the Word of God by
the mystery.