Paul (the Prisoner of Christ)
Category: Endurance in imprisonment & ministry
Could avoid: Stop preaching to avoid chains.
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles…” (Ephesians 3:1)
Cross-Refs: Acts 28:16, 30–31; Philippians 1:13.
Chose: Continued teaching and interceding for the churches.
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 4:3–4; 2 Timothy 4:17.
Endured: Chains, hardship, spiritual battle.
“I am an ambassador in chains.” (Ephesians 6:20)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 6:4–5; Acts 20:23.
Why: For the sake of the Gentiles, to fulfill God’s mission.
“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8)
Cross-Refs: Romans 1:14–15; Galatians 2:7–8.
Result: Strengthened the church with teaching on unity and identity in Christ.
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” (Ephesians 3:10)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:9.
The Ephesian Believers (the Church)
Category: Endurance in unity & holiness
Could avoid: Conform to old sinful ways.
“So I tell you this… you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” (Ephesians 4:17)
Cross-Refs: Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:7.
Chose: Live as God’s holy people.
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12.
Endured: Spiritual immaturity, false teaching, hostility.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 3:13; Romans 15:1.
Why: Called to be one body in Christ.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Cross-Refs: John 17:21; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
Result: Maturity, unity, and growth into Christlikeness.
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 1:28; Hebrews 6:1.
Christian Endurance in Spiritual Warfare
Category: Endurance in standing firm against evil
Could avoid: Compromise with the world, neglect prayer.
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 5:8–9; Revelation 12:17.
Chose: Put on the full armor of God.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Cross-Refs: Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4.
Endured: Evil day, spiritual attacks, trials.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13)
Cross-Refs: James 4:7; Hebrews 10:36.
Why: To stand firm in Christ’s strength.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Cross-Refs: Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:13.
Result: Victory and perseverance through Christ.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 20.
Christ Himself (as Example of Love & Endurance)
Category: Endurance in sacrificial love
Could avoid: Avoid giving Himself up.
“Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
Cross-Refs: John 10:17–18; Hebrews 9:14.
Chose: Love the church sacrificially.
“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
Cross-Refs: Acts 20:28; Revelation 1:5.
Endured: The cross, to cleanse and sanctify His bride.
“To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” (Ephesians 5:26)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 12:2; Titus 2:14.
Why: To present the church as glorious and holy.
“…to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle.” (Ephesians 5:27)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7–8.
Result: Eternal union of Christ and His church.
“We are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5:30)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 1:18; Revelation 21:2.