Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called."
Text: Ephesians 4:1
I BESEECH YOU
Paul’s exhortation to his readers to walk worthy of the glorious calling from God is most interesting. He could have used an imperative, and he would not have been wrong to do that. To walk worthy of God’s calling should be seen as a command, no less!
Why then did Paul use the word “beseech” (“parakaleo”). Let us consider what Paul might have in mind when he wrote this text.
1. The personal relationship element
There was a strong personal relationship between the apostle Paul and the Ephesians. The following observations may be made:-
a) Paul was the one who first preached to the Ephesians (Acts 19:1ff)
b) He spent about 3 years in his ministry at Ephesus (Acts 20:31)
c) He was the founder of the Ephesian Church (Acts 19:1ff)
d) He trained the leaders of the Church (Acts 20:17)
e) There was a deep relationship of love between Paul and the Ephesian elders (representing the Church) Acts 20:36
The list above would have had as much of an impact as the use of an imperative, perhaps even more so.
2. The significance of using a plea
As we delve more into Paul’s relationship with the Ephesians, we understand even better why he chose this approach.
a) Choosing the path of humility
Paul chose the path of humility as he wrote the Ephesians. When one speaks of the glorious calling of God, one cannot but feel humbled by it. To “beseech” is to apply deep humility. And when an apostle humbles himself in this manner, surely the heart would be touched and appropriate response would be forthcoming.
b) Choosing the path of wisdom
When Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be given the spirit of wisdom and revelation (Cf. Ephesians 1:15-19), he must have believed in what he uttered in prayer. If the Ephesians truly understood the calling of God, they would respond appropriately. Wisdom and understanding would have led the Ephesians to appreciate why they ought to walk worthy of God’s calling.