Ephesians 3:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 3:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.
Ephesians 3:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, &c.] 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 not come to him unawares, he always expected them, and was helped to look to the glory which should follow them, the view of which greatly supported him under them; and these tribulations were endured for the sake of the elect, for Christ's body's sake; the church, and among others, for the Ephesians, for the sake of preaching the Gospel among…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"I entreat you not to be dispirited." for you--in your behalf. which is--rather, "which are your glory," namely, inasmuch as showing that God loved you so much, as both to give His Son for you, and to permit His apostles to suffer "tribulations" for you [CHRYSOSTOM] in preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. See on Eph 3:1, "prisoner for you Gentiles." My tribulations are your spiritual "glory," as your faith is furthered thereby (Co1 4:10).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not - The connection here is this. Paul was then a prisoner at Rome. He had been made such in consequence of his efforts to diffuse the Christian religion among the Gentiles; see the notes at Ephesians 3:1. His zeal in this cause, and the opinions which he held on this subject, had roused the wrath of the Jews, and led to all the calamities which he was now suffering. Of that the Ephesians. he supposes, were aware. It was natural that they should be distressed at his sufferings, for all his privations were endured on their account. But here he tells them not to be troubled and disheartened. He was indeed suffering; but he was reconciled to it, and they should…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The not fainting is your glory. Ephesians 3:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:13 my trials here: Paul is writing from jail, as a prisoner (see 3:1). He knows that suffering is to be expected and that it works for good in a believer’s life (see Rom 5:3-5; Col 1:24; 1 Thes 3:3; 2 Tim 3:12; Jas 1:2-4).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ye: Deu 20:3; Isa 40:30, Isa 40:31; Zep 3:16; Act 14:22; Gal 6:9; Th2 3:13; Heb 12:3-5 at: Eph 3:1; Co2 1:6; Phi 1:12-14; Col 1:24; Th1 3:2-4 Ephesians 3:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification