Eph. 6:18. for all the saints:
Eph. 6:19. and for me,
So, one must pray not only for oneself. But notice the humility: for he places himself last, and asks the disciples to pray, and this is the one who was in chains for Christ. And Peter too was in chains, and earnest prayer was offered for him by the Church.
Eph. 6:19. "that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly"
So then, he does not worry about what to say, but as Christ said: "do not worry about how or what to say, for in that hour it will be given to you what to say" (Matt. 10:19), so too he, opening his mouth, conveyed what God commanded; and so he accomplished all things by divine grace. From this you will understand the spiritual sword, which is the word of God.
Eph. 6:19. "to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel,"
Eph. 6:20. for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
That is, so that I might, as is fitting, defend myself as a preacher of the faith, with boldness and courage and great prudence. But to whom are you fulfilling your embassy? To people, in order to reconcile them with God; but they have bound me, although by law ambassadors should not be subjected to any violence. So, although chains have been placed on me to restrain my boldness, your prayer will open my mouth, so that I may dare to speak all that the one who entrusted me with the embassy has commanded me. Do you see? The sword is boldness in the preaching of the word of God, which Paul wished to speak in the opening of his mouth.
Eph. 6:21. But that you also may know about my circumstances and affairs, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful
What pertained to teaching and consolation, he himself explained through the epistle; but when he mentioned his bonds, he does not dwell on discussing them, but leaves something for Tychicus to tell about him, so that the presence of this brother would not be without purpose. Since he is "beloved," he knows everything; since he is "faithful," he will not lie.
Eph. 6:21. a servant in the Lord,
That is, serving for God and in a divine work, and not for the sake of anything worldly or in regard to anything earthly; or – a brother in the Lord, that is, a spiritual brother.
Eph. 6:22. Whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
Saint John Chrysostom says the following: "that you may know about us," that is, that he may inform you of what is happening with me and not allow you to be disheartened on my account, since I am in afflictions and wear chains. And this indicates love both on his part toward them and on their part toward him.
Eph. 6:23. Peace to the brethren and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
He asks for them peace and love with faith. And this means the following: either that they should love not those of other beliefs, but only the faithful, or that they must also have faith in order to have hope concerning the future. For without faith love is useless, and even more, without faith there would be no love. Which is what he said with the words: peace and love with faith. And teaching in what manner peace will come, he added: through love. And love in what manner? If we have faith.
Eph. 6:24. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an unchanging love. Amen.
Here he separated peace from grace, setting each apart, although everywhere he joined them together. "In incorruption" (that is, unchangeably), meaning in purity, or those who love Christ not in wealth and glory, but in incorruptible goods, that is, for the sake of the incorruptible; or, that the one who loves Christ loves Him through His virtue. For sin is corruption, and virtue is incorruption. For just as we say of a virgin that she is corrupted, so also of the soul; therefore Paul also says: "lest your minds should be corrupted" (2 Cor. 11:3), and "men of corrupt minds" (2 Tim. 3:8). Therefore it behooves us also to show our love for Christ through purity of life and the pursuit of those incorruptible goods, and in general through every virtuous life that keeps the soul blameless, not corrupted either by false teaching or by ungodliness, keeping it in Christ Himself, the blameless Bridegroom of virgin and blameless souls, to Whom be glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.